Ghosting
Abruptly ending communication with someone without explanation and no longer responding to messages or calls.
“They talked every day for a month before he suddenly started ghosting her.”
Ghosting is most often discussed in dating, but it can also happen in friendships, family relationships, workplaces, recruiting, and online communities. It generally involves disappearing from communication rather than directly ending the relationship.
The modern meaning extends the idea of a ghost suddenly disappearing. Informal uses of ghost as a verb for cutting off contact developed online and became widely discussed through text messaging, social media, and online dating during the 2000s and 2010s.
ghosted
The past-tense form describing someone whose messages or calls were abruptly ignored without explanation.
soft ghosting
Gradually reducing meaningful communication while still occasionally reacting, liking, or giving minimal responses.
professional ghosting
Abruptly ending communication during hiring, networking, freelancing, or another professional interaction.
What does ghosting mean?
Ghosting means abruptly ending communication without explanation and no longer responding to messages or calls.
Does ghosting only happen in dating?
No. It can occur in friendships, family relationships, workplaces, recruiting, business, and online communities.
What is soft ghosting?
Soft ghosting means gradually withdrawing from meaningful conversation while still occasionally reacting or sending minimal responses.