give up on (someone or something)

idiom

1
: to stop trying to improve the condition of (someone)
He has gotten in trouble many times, but his parents have never given up on him.
Please don't give up on me. I promise I'll do better.
2
: to stop having hope of seeing (someone)
We'd given up on you hours ago!
3
: to stop trying to do or achieve (something)
They have given up on their plan to build a new factory.
She hasn't given up on trying to convince her husband to buy a new car.

Examples of give up on (someone or something) in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Wyatt, the senior ace on his way to Michigan, and Walker, the gritty junior second baseman who refused to give up on his dream of starting, paused when trying to wrap their heads around the scene unfolding around them. Troy Renck, Denver Post, 31 May 2025 Fans pitch venues for pop-up shows Fans aren't ready to give up on the idea that The All-American Rejects could make a surprise appearance at a bowling alley or backyard in their city, pitching the band ideas in the comments or via Instagram story. Amaris Encinas, USA Today, 21 May 2025 Not yet ready to give up on music, Golden dabbled in music journalism throughout the Seventies, writing for Rolling Stone and Creem, and took up residence singing jazz at Clifford’s Lounge on the Upper West Side. Jeff Gage, Rolling Stone, 20 May 2025 But owner Adam Tilford and his chef brother, Jason Tilford, aren’t ready to give up on the 11563 Ash St. space just yet. Jenna Thompson, Kansas City Star, 15 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for give up on (someone or something)

Browse Nearby Words

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Give up on (someone or something).” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/give%20up%20on%20%28someone%20or%20something%29. Accessed 8 Jun. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!