renege on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "renege on" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that someone has failed to fulfill a promise or commitment. Example: "He decided to renege on his agreement to help with the project, leaving the team in a difficult position."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Lenders need to gauge whether governments will renege on their commitments.

The Economist

"What Gap wants is the right to renege on its commitments when it wishes".

The New York Times

The incoming customers are impatient and may renege on seeing a long queue of the customers for the service.

Journal of Industrial Engineering International

If they renege on even one, we can challenge it.

The Guardian

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

The Guardian

Every few years you renege on something.

The New Yorker

They renege on commitments already made".

The New York Times

The government might renege on their commitment".

The Guardian

Least likely to: Renege on their love.

The Guardian - Music

Few have dared renege on these when trouble hits.

The Economist

Countries that renege on treaty commitments lose credibility.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "renege on", ensure the context clearly establishes the promise or commitment that is being broken. For example, "The company decided to renege on its promise to provide bonuses after a drop in profits."

Common error

Avoid using "renege on" to describe a simple inability to fulfill a task. The phrase implies a deliberate decision to break a promise or agreement, not just a failure due to unforeseen circumstances.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "renege on" functions as a phrasal verb, typically used to describe the act of failing to fulfill a promise or commitment. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. Examples show it used when governments, organizations, or individuals fail to uphold agreements.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Wiki

8%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "renege on" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrasal verb that signifies the act of failing to honor a commitment or promise. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's prevalent in news, media, and various other contexts. While suitable for neutral and even formal communication, certain situations might call for more sophisticated alternatives, such as "repudiate" or "resile from". When using "renege on", ensure clarity regarding the broken promise and avoid using it merely to describe an inability to complete a task. Knowing the common usage and best practices related to "renege on" will allow for better and more accurate communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

back out of

Indicates withdrawal from a commitment, often with less formality than "renege on".

default on

Implies a failure to meet a financial obligation or promise, often in a formal context.

go back on

Suggests reversing a decision or promise, emphasizing the change of heart.

withdraw from

Highlights the act of formally removing oneself from an agreement or undertaking.

fail to honor

Emphasizes the lack of respect or adherence to an agreement or commitment.

break one's promise

Directly states the violation of a spoken or written assurance.

resile from

A more formal term for withdrawing from a previously held position or agreement.

disavow

Suggests a formal denial of responsibility or connection to a previous commitment.

repudiate

Indicates a formal rejection of a previously accepted agreement or obligation.

forswear

Implies a solemn declaration to abandon a previous stance or commitment.

FAQs

How can I use "renege on" in a sentence?

Use "renege on" when someone breaks a promise or fails to honor a commitment. For example, "The government might renege on their commitment to reduce carbon emissions."

What are some alternatives to "renege on"?

You can use alternatives like "back out of", "default on", or "go back on" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "renege on" in formal writing?

Yes, "renege on" is appropriate for both formal and informal writing, though alternatives like "repudiate" or "resile from" might be preferred in highly formal contexts.

What's the difference between "renege on" and "disagree with"?

"Renege on" means to break a promise or agreement, while "disagree with" means to have a different opinion. The two phrases are not interchangeable; for example, a party may renege on a peace deal, but disagree with its terms beforehand.