verb
renege
rih-NEG/rɪˈneɡ/
To go back on a promise, agreement, or commitment.
The person chooses to renege on the deal and pulls away from the handshake.
Etymology
The refusal expressed by negare, with re- perhaps adding emphasis, underlies the earlier meanings “deny, renounce, abandon.” The modern sense focuses that rejection on one’s own promise or agreement.
In context
If we don't believe that any agreement we make could be upheld because each side still has that credible commitment problem and a reason to renege on the agreement, then what's the point of talking?
More examples
- She reneges on her promise to help us move.
- The company reneged on its agreement to raise wages.
- You can't keep reneging on commitments and expect people to trust you.
Forms
renege · reneges · reneged · reneging
Similar words
- back out
- Emphasizes withdrawing from an arrangement rather than breaking a promise.
- break one's word
- Specifically emphasizes failing to keep a personal promise.
- default
- Usually concerns failing to fulfill a financial or legal obligation.