meaning of ghosting

The act or practice of abruptly ending all communication with someone, typically a romantic partner or friend, without any explanation or prior warning, thereby disappearing from their life as if they were a ghost.

She was devastated after her boyfriend started ghosting her and never replied to her messages again.

The job applicant was frustrated by the company's ghosting after she made it through several rounds of interviews.

Etymology: Derived from the word 'ghost' (referring to the act of disappearing suddenly and completely, like a ghost) and the suffix '-ing'. The term gained significant popular usage in the early to mid-2010s, particularly in the context of dating and online communication, and was formally added to major dictionaries around 2017.

Cultural Notes: Ghosting is a prevalent modern social phenomenon, especially in the digital age and dating culture, where individuals can easily cut off contact without direct confrontation. While it allows the 'ghoster' to avoid uncomfortable conversations or emotional discomfort, it can cause significant distress, confusion, and feelings of rejection for the 'ghosted' person due to the lack of closure. The practice is not limited to romantic relationships but also occurs in friendships, professional settings (e.g., employers ghosting job candidates), and other social interactions, reflecting evolving communication norms.

Word Frequency: very_common

Category: slang_idioms

Language: English

Pronunciation: ˈɡoʊstɪŋ