renege

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "renege" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used when someone fails to fulfill a promise or obligation. Example: "He decided to renege on his commitment to the project, leaving the team in a difficult position." Alternatives include "back out" or "default."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Did the Nato partners offer a binding commitment to abstain from expansion into eastern Europe, and then renege on it?

The Guardian - Opinion

If you renege, then markets don't trust you.

The Guardian

But Brown told Short that Blair would renege on the deal anyway if he went along with such a scheme".

The Guardian - Opinion

Macpherson says the experience of countries that renege on their debt is not a happy one.

The Guardian

If you can give yourself more than one reason to do something, you are less likely to renege on your promises, I find.

The Guardian

Silence from Europe's most powerful government helped to sink the commission's plan in the European Parliament.Back in Germany no politician is willing to renege on the promise to ditch nuclear power by 2022, let alone on the commitment to renewables.

The Economist

By helping people to make forward-looking decisions for themselves that they cannot easily renege on later, they enlarge their freedom, making it possible for them to do things they otherwise could not do.

The Economist

But he was playing a cynical game, which gave an impression, not lost on Scottish nationalists, that he might renege on his promise to Scotland if he did not get his way on England.

The Economist

She might now be tempted to renege.

The Economist

Abroad, Mr Tsipras's message is that he does not want to leave the euro; at home he promises to renege on the memorandum with Greece's creditors.

The Economist

Mr Obama may either have to renege on his promise to slash the deficit to 3% of GDP in 2013 from more than 12% now, rein in his spending promises or raise taxes more.Second, Mr Obama's scattershot tax increases are a poor substitute for the wholesale reform America's Byzantine tax code needs.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "renege" when you want to emphasize the act of breaking a formal promise or commitment. It's often used in serious contexts, such as politics or business.

Common error

Avoid confusing "renege" with words like "renegade". "Renege" refers to breaking a promise, while "renegade" refers to someone who deserts a cause or principle.

Linguistic Context

The verb "renege" primarily functions to express the act of breaking a promise or commitment. It is used to describe situations where someone fails to follow through on an agreement or obligation. Ludwig AI confirms the correctness and usability of this term in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

35%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "renege" is a versatile verb that signifies the act of breaking a promise or commitment. As noted by Ludwig AI, the term is both correct and usable in written English. Its usage is particularly common in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts, where the consequences of broken agreements are often discussed. While it is suitable for formal writing, awareness of its serious implications is important. When you want to convey a breach of trust or ethical responsibility, then "renege" is a smart choice. If seeking alternatives, consider phrases like "back out" or "fail to honor", depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

go back on one's word

Suggests a direct violation of a promise made.

break a promise

Directly indicates the act of not keeping a promise.

back out of

Implies withdrawing from an agreement or commitment, often informally.

default on an agreement

Implies a failure to meet the terms of a formal agreement.

withdraw from a commitment

Suggests a formal removal from an obligation.

fail to honor

Highlights the lack of respect for an agreement or commitment.

recant one's pledge

Indicates a formal and often public withdrawal of a promise.

resile from an undertaking

Implies a formal or legal withdrawal from a previously agreed task.

cop out

Informal way to say that someone is avoiding doing something that they should do.

chicken out

An expression meaning lose your courage to do or complete something.

FAQs

How do you use "renege" in a sentence?

"Renege" is used as a verb to describe the act of failing to honor a commitment or promise. For example, "The company decided to "renege" on its contract."

What is a synonym for "renege"?

Synonyms for "renege" include "back out", "go back on one's word", or "fail to honor". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it acceptable to use "renege" in formal writing?

Yes, "renege" is suitable for formal writing, especially when discussing broken agreements or commitments in business, politics, or legal contexts. Its usage is well-documented in reputable sources.

What's the difference between "renege" and "repudiate"?

"Renege" specifically means to break a promise or commitment, while "repudiate" means to reject something, such as a statement or claim, as untrue or unjust. Though related, their focus differs.