Renege on Meaning in English
expression
ɹɪˈnɪɡ/ /ˈɑn/, /ˈɔn
ri-NIG on
ɹɪnˈɛdʒ/ /ˈɒn
ri-NEJ on
Definition
To not do something that you promised or agreed to do, especially breaking an agreement or a promise.
Usage & Nuances
Often used formally or in legal/business contexts. Always followed by the thing being broken ('renege on a promise/deal'). Less common in everyday speech; 'break a promise' is more casual. Do not confuse with 'revoke' (which means to officially cancel).
Spanish: incumplir - faltar a (su palabra/promesa/acuerdo)Portuguese (BR): descumprir - não cumprir (promessa/acordo)Portuguese (PT): incumprir - não cumprir (promessa/acordo)Chinese (Simplified): 违背（承诺/协议） - 食言Chinese (Traditional): 違背（承諾/協議） - 食言Hindi: पलट जाना (वादे/समझौते से)Arabic: نقض (الوعد/الاتفاق)Bengali: ভঙ্গ করা - প্রতিশ্রুতি ভাঙ্গাRussian: нарушить (обещание/договор)Japanese: 反故にする - 約束を破るVietnamese: bội ước - thất hứaKorean: 약속을 어기다 - 계약을 어기다Turkish: verdiğinden dönmek - anlaşmayı bozmakUrdu: وعدہ خلافی کرناIndonesian: mengingkari - melanggar janji
Example Sentences
He reneged on his promise to help me.
basic
The company reneged on the contract.
basic
Don't renege on your word.
basic
She felt betrayed when he reneged on their agreement at the last minute.
natural
If you renege on your promise, people won’t trust you next time.
natural
They accused him of reneging on his end of the deal.
natural