forgone

Definition
  1. Adjective (past participle of ):
    • Given up or abstained from: "forgone" describes something that has been voluntarily relinquished, renounced, or done without.
    • Previously decided or predetermined: In rare or formal usage, "forgone" can also mean something that is already settled or inevitable (as in the phrase "a forgone conclusion").
Usage Examples

  • As a past participle:

    • She had forgone dessert to save calories. (She voluntarily gave up the sweet course.)
    • The committee has forgone its annual bonus this year. (The committee has chosen to abstain from receiving the bonus.)

  • As an adjective:

    • The opportunity was a forgone chance, never to return. (The opportunity was one that had been relinquished and was lost.)
    • His promotion was a forgone conclusion after the stellar review. (His promotion was considered inevitable or already decided.)
Advanced Usage

  • "a forgone conclusion": a result that is certain or predictable before it happens.

    • With such a strong lead, the election result was a forgone conclusion. (The outcome was never in doubt.)

  • "forgone in favor of": given up in preference for something else.

    • They forgone immediate profit in favor of long-term growth. (They sacrificed short-term gains for future benefits.)
Variants and Related Words

  • Forgo (verb): to refrain from or give up voluntarily.

    • I will forgo my lunch break to finish this report. (I will skip my break.)

  • Forego (verb, variant spelling): sometimes used interchangeably with "forgo," though "forego" more strictly means "to go before."

    • Let us forego the formalities and begin. (Let us skip the formalities.)

  • Forgone (past participle): used as above.

  • Foregone (adj): more commonly used in "foregone conclusion"; note the spelling difference.
Synonyms
  • Relinquished: given up or let go.
  • Abstained from: refrained from doing something.
  • Renounced: formally rejected or abandoned.
  • Sacrificed: given up for a greater purpose.
Related Idioms

  • A forgone conclusion: an outcome that is certain or inevitable.

    • The victory was a forgone conclusion from the start. (The win was never in question.)

  • Forgone opportunity: a chance that has been missed or deliberately set aside.

    • His forgone opportunity to study abroad still haunts him. (The chance he gave up still bothers him.)