Forgo means to decidemake a choice after considering options not to have, use, or do something. It can also mean to give up a right or claima right to receive or own something, though that sense is less common in everydayused or happening in normal daily life English.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-29. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Pronunciation
AI-generated pronunciation audio (OpenAI).
Accent: General American English
IPA: /fɔrˈɡoʊ/
Easy pronunciation: for-GOH (approximate spelling).
Stress: Stress the second syllable.
Verb meaning to do without something intentionally; this is the common spelling for that sense.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-29. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Forgo Meaning
to do without something intentionally
Part of speech: verb
Definition: to choose not to have, use, or do something
Example: We decided to forgo dessert and head home early.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- dispense with — Strong substitute in this sense when something is intentionally not used or included.
- relinquish — Works when giving something up, but it is a little more formal and often implies surrendering control or possession.
- waive — Fits when giving up a right, rule, or requirement.
- give up — Common, natural substitute in many everyday contexts.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: uncertain — manual review needed. Checked: 2026-10-29. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Other Meanings of Forgo
Meaning 2
to lose the right to something because of wrongdoing or a mistake
Part of speech: verb
Definition: to lose a right, claim, or privilege because of an error, offense, or crime
Example: He may forgo his deposit if he breaks the contract.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- forfeit — The clearest synonym for losing a right or possession as a penalty.
- waive — Can fit when a right is formally given up, but it is not always the same as losing it as a penalty.
- give up — Possible in some contexts, though less precise than forfeit.
Meaning 3
to happen before something else in time
Part of speech: verb
Definition: to be earlier in time; to come before
Example: The letter was foregone by a warning notice.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- precede — The main substitute when something comes before something else in time or order.
- antedate — Used when something is from an earlier date.
- predate — Used when something exists or happened earlier than something else.
- antecede — Correct but less common than precede.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: inaccurate — correction needed. Checked: 2026-10-29. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Forgo Synonyms
Similar Meaning
- dispense with
- give up
to lose a right, claim, or privilege because of an error, offense, or crime
- forfeit
to be earlier in time; to come before
- precede
- antedate
- predate
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: uncertain — manual review needed. Checked: 2026-10-29. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Common Mistakes
- People often confuse forgo with forego. Forgo means to do without or give up something; forego means to come before in time.
- Do not use forgo when you mean 'precede' or 'come earlier'.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: uncertain — manual review needed. Checked: 2026-10-29. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does forgo mean in simple English?
Forgo means to choose not to have, use, or do something.
Is forgo the same as forego?
No. Forgo means to do without or give up something. Forego is a different word that means to come before in time.
What are the best synonyms for forgo?
Common synonyms include dispense with and give up. In some contexts, waive and relinquish also work.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-29. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
