ghosting

noun

ghost·ing | \ ˈgō-stiŋ

Definition of ghosting

1 : a faint double image on a television screen or other display also : the formation of such images Such displays tend to suffer from ghosting, which shows up as extraneous lines on screen. — Consumer Reports

2 informal : the act or practice of abruptly cutting off all contact with someone (such as a former romantic partner) by no longer accepting or responding to phone calls, instant messages, etc. Romeo one minute, where'd he go the next? Ghosting is when you go poof and literally disappear out of someone's life without a word or explanation.— Samantha Burns "It's the fear of missing out on the thing, or person, that is coming next. … It may be a little mean, but we're dating; it's not like we're in a relationship," said one anonymous online dater in defense of ghosting.— Chelsea Frisbie — see also ghost entry 2 sense 3

Examples of ghosting in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The nuances of online apps, the constant potential for ghosting, the strange and bizarre interactions that can sometimes result? — Katherine J. Igoe, Marie Claire, "Chrissy Teigen Has SO Many Thoughts and Questions About Modern Dating," 21 Jan. 2019 When someone ghosts you, they are gone — but ghosting might be more accurately used for a situation in which someone is no longer physically present, but their presence is still felt. — Brittney Mcnamara, Teen Vogue, ""Orbiting" Is the New Breakup Habit That's Worse Than Ghosting," 11 Dec. 2018 The products, despite being worth thousands of dollars, have not managed to neutralize my bodily functions or my laziness about cleaning or the lingering guilt of ghosting. — Rebecca Jennings, Vox, "I used all the best stuff for a week and it nearly broke me," 12 Dec. 2018 Have the breakup conversation in person, if possible — but ghosting is okay, too. — Katie Heaney, The Cut, "How to Break Up With Your Therapist," 6 July 2018 Master the Art of Guesting Not to be confused with ghosting, although, there are some similarities. — Vogue, "Vogue’s Guide to the Ultimate Fourth of July," 2 July 2018 According to a recent study, daters who believe in destiny — soul mates, love at first sight, the stuff of romance novels — are more likely to engage in ghosting (or perhaps one of its iterations: orbiting, benching, breadcrumbing). — Anna Orso, Philly.com, "Do you believe in soulmates? You're more likely to 'ghost' your date," 3 May 2018 But those with strong a belief in destiny were nearly 25 percent more likely to think ghosting is fine after two or fewer dates. — Anna Orso, Philly.com, "Do you believe in soulmates? You're more likely to 'ghost' your date," 3 May 2018 Gail Grace, a licensed clinical social worker and therapist in New York City, agrees that bottomless romantic options probably means more ghosting, more submarining. — Claire Lampen, Marie Claire, "Oh Great, There's a New Horrible Dating Trend to Have to Worry About," 29 Dec. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'ghosting.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.