Give up
phrasal verb
To stop trying to do something because you find it hard.
After 10 attempts, she gave up trying to learn guitar
Often appears as...
- give up smoking
- give up drinking
phrasal verb
To stop doing something you regularly do, especially a habit or an activity.
He decided to give up smoking for his health
Often appears as...
- give up cigarettes
- give up alcohol
phrasal verb
To allow somebody else to have or take something that you possess.
He had to give up his seat to an elderly passenger
Often appears as...
- give up your seat
- give up your time
phrasal verb
To admit that you are defeated or cannot do something.
The mountain climbers gave up after many unsuccessful attempts to reach the peak
Often appears as...
- give up the fight
- give up the struggle
phrasal verb
To stop trying to do something because you find it hard.
After 10 attempts, she gave up trying to learn guitar
Often appears as...
- give up smoking
- give up drinking
phrasal verb
To stop doing something you regularly do, especially a habit or an activity.
He decided to give up smoking for his health
Often appears as...
- give up cigarettes
- give up alcohol
phrasal verb
To allow somebody else to have or take something that you possess.
He had to give up his seat to an elderly passenger
Often appears as...
- give up your seat
- give up your time
phrasal verb
To admit that you are defeated or cannot do something.
The mountain climbers gave up after many unsuccessful attempts to reach the peak
Often appears as...
- give up the fight
- give up the struggle
Definition 1 of 4
Pro Tip 1/3Perseverance Context
Used when someone stops after repeated failures or difficulties, not an easy decision.
She gave up mastering the violin, despite years of practice.
Pro Tip 2/3Non-Instant Process
Implying a process over time; the giving up is not usually sudden.
Eventually, after much struggle, he gave up competing professionally.
Pro Tip 3/3Negative Connotation
Often viewed negatively, as in surrendering or lacking resilience.
Despite her talent, others felt she gave up too easily.
Pro Tip 1/3Perseverance Context
Used when someone stops after repeated failures or difficulties, not an easy decision.
She gave up mastering the violin, despite years of practice.
Pro Tip 2/3Non-Instant Process
Implying a process over time; the giving up is not usually sudden.
Eventually, after much struggle, he gave up competing professionally.
Pro Tip 3/3Negative Connotation
Often viewed negatively, as in surrendering or lacking resilience.
Despite her talent, others felt she gave up too easily.
Pro Tip 1/3Perseverance Context
Used when someone stops after repeated failures or difficulties, not an easy decision.
She gave up mastering the violin, despite years of practice.
Pro Tip 2/3Non-Instant Process
Implying a process over time; the giving up is not usually sudden.
Eventually, after much struggle, he gave up competing professionally.
Pro Tip 3/3Negative Connotation
Often viewed negatively, as in surrendering or lacking resilience.
Despite her talent, others felt she gave up too easily.
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