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
The second Friday in January has become known as Quitter’s Day because that’s when most people give up on their New Year’s resolutions, when the will power to eat better, be punctual or exercise more begins to wear off.
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Forbes Travel Guide, Forbes, 12 Jan. 2025
Lost to Detroit Lions 31-9 One lesson learned: Don’t give up on quarterbacks
Sunday night wasn’t the best argument for this lesson, but Sam Darnold is sixth in passer rating (102.5) and fifth in touchdown passes (35) this season.
—Josh Kendall, The Athletic, 7 Jan. 2025
The person who came across him that fateful day wasn't willing to give up on him just yet.
—George Monastiriakos, Newsweek, 30 Dec. 2024
My hope is that this documentary inspires parents and caregivers to never give up on their children, reminding them that every struggle is a step toward a brighter future.
—Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 17 Dec. 2024
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Forbes Travel Guide, Forbes, 12 Jan. 2025
Lost to Detroit Lions 31-9 One lesson learned: Don’t give up on quarterbacks
Sunday night wasn’t the best argument for this lesson, but Sam Darnold is sixth in passer rating (102.5) and fifth in touchdown passes (35) this season.
—Josh Kendall, The Athletic, 7 Jan. 2025
The person who came across him that fateful day wasn't willing to give up on him just yet.
—George Monastiriakos, Newsweek, 30 Dec. 2024
My hope is that this documentary inspires parents and caregivers to never give up on their children, reminding them that every struggle is a step toward a brighter future.
—Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 17 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for give up on (someone or something)
Dictionary Entries Near give up on (someone or something)
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 18 Jan. 2025.
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