give up on (someone or something)

idiom

: 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.

: to stop having hope of seeing (someone)

We'd given up on you hours ago!

: 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.

And despite the Keisha’s unease, Justin doesn’t give up on her. —

Liza Esquibias, People.com, 30 Jan. 2025 Mahoney didn't want to give up on Poppy and tried everything to help her. —

Barbara A. Perry, Newsweek, 28 Jan. 2025 Lightness was a key element, as the styles continued to be easy and nonchalant — men are not willing to give up on comfort. —

Luisa Zargani, WWD, 21 Jan. 2025 According to Drive Research, 23% of adults give up on their New Year's goals by the end of the first week of January. —

Amy Slenker-Smith, Forbes, 30 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for give up on (someone or something)

Dictionary Entries Near give up on (someone or something)

give up

give up on (someone or something)

give vent to

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“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 9 Feb. 2025.

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