Top 29 Slang For Give-Up – Meaning & Usage

Sometimes, life can be tough and we all need a little break. Whether it’s a challenging task or a difficult situation, we’ve all been there. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the top slang words for “give-up” to help you express your frustration and find solace in knowing that you’re not alone. From witty phrases to catchy expressions, we’ve got you covered. So sit back, relax, and let us show you the creative ways to throw in the towel!

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1. Admit defeat

This phrase means to accept that one has been unsuccessful or unable to achieve a desired outcome. It is often used to describe a situation where someone recognizes that they are unable to win or succeed in a particular endeavor.

For example, after losing a game, someone might say, “I have to admit defeat, you played better than me.”
In a competition, a participant might admit defeat by saying, “I can’t keep up with your skills, I admit defeat.”
In a debate or argument, someone might concede by admitting defeat and saying, “You’ve made a convincing argument, I admit defeat.”

2. Surrender

This term refers to the act of giving up or yielding to someone or something. It implies a submission or acceptance of defeat or a lack of resistance.

For instance, in a battle or war, an army might surrender by laying down their weapons and submitting to the opposing force.
In a negotiation, someone might surrender by agreeing to the terms proposed by the other party.
In a game, a player might surrender by forfeiting or giving up the match.

3. Quit

This word means to stop or discontinue an activity, often because one has become frustrated, tired, or unwilling to continue. It can be used to describe giving up or abandoning a task or goal.

For example, someone might quit a job if they are unhappy or no longer interested in the work.
In a sport or game, a player might quit if they feel they are unable to win or if they no longer enjoy playing.
In a relationship, someone might quit if they feel the partnership is not working or if they are no longer invested.

4. Concede

This term means to acknowledge or accept something, often reluctantly or with reluctance. It can be used to describe admitting defeat, accepting a different point of view, or acknowledging the superiority of someone or something.

For instance, in a debate, someone might concede a point by saying, “You’re right, I concede that you have a valid argument.”
In a competition, a participant might concede by acknowledging the skill or talent of their opponent.
In a disagreement, someone might concede by accepting that they were wrong or mistaken.

5. Back down

This phrase means to withdraw or retract a previously held position or stance. It often implies giving in or yielding to someone else’s demands or pressure.

For example, in a confrontation or argument, someone might back down by deciding not to continue the disagreement.
In a negotiation, a party might back down by compromising or giving in to the other party’s requests.
In a conflict, one side might back down if they realize they are at a disadvantage or if they no longer want to pursue the matter.

6. Fold

This term comes from the act of folding a hand of cards in poker, indicating that the player is giving up and no longer participating in the current round or game. It is often used metaphorically to signify giving up or surrendering in any situation.

For example, “After losing all his chips, he decided to fold and leave the poker table.”
In a discussion about a failed business venture, someone might say, “We had to fold and close the company.”
A person might use this term to describe giving up on a difficult task, saying, “I’ve been trying to fix this computer for hours, but I think I’m going to fold and call a professional.”

7. Capitulate

This word is often used to describe the act of surrendering or giving up in a battle or conflict. It implies a submission to the other party’s power or authority.

For instance, “After days of fighting, the army was forced to capitulate and surrender.”
In a negotiation, one party might say, “We are not willing to capitulate to their unreasonable demands.”
A person might use this word to describe giving up on a disagreement or argument, saying, “I realized I was wrong and decided to capitulate.”

8. Throw in the sponge

This phrase is a variation of the idiom “throw in the towel,” which originates from boxing. In boxing matches, a trainer would throw a towel into the ring to signal that their fighter is giving up and quitting the match. “Throw in the sponge” is a playful twist on this phrase.

For example, “After struggling to keep up with the marathon, he decided to throw in the sponge and walk instead.”
In a discussion about a failed project, someone might say, “We had to throw in the sponge and admit defeat.”
A person might use this phrase to describe giving up on a difficult task, saying, “I’ve been trying to solve this puzzle for hours, but I think I’m going to throw in the sponge and ask for help.”

9. Bow out

This phrase originates from the act of bowing, which is a gesture of respect or acknowledgement. “Bow out” is often used to describe the act of gracefully withdrawing from a competition, event, or responsibility.

For instance, “After realizing she couldn’t keep up with the competition, she decided to bow out of the race.”
In a discussion about a leadership role, someone might say, “I’ve decided to bow out and let someone else take the lead.”
A person might use this phrase to describe giving up on a commitment or responsibility, saying, “I’ve been juggling too many tasks, so I’ve decided to bow out of organizing the event.”

10. Resign

This word is often used to describe the act of formally quitting or giving up a position of authority or employment. It implies a sense of acceptance and acknowledgement of the decision to leave.

For example, “After months of dissatisfaction, he decided to resign from his job.”
In a discussion about a political office, someone might say, “The mayor announced his decision to resign from office.”
A person might use this word to describe giving up on a role or responsibility, saying, “I’ve realized I’m not the right fit for this position, so I’ve decided to resign.”

11. Abandon

To abandon something means to give up on it or stop doing it. It implies that the person has decided to no longer pursue or continue with a particular task or goal.

For example, “After years of unsuccessful attempts, he finally abandoned his dream of becoming a professional athlete.”
In a discussion about relationships, someone might say, “It’s important to know when to abandon a toxic partnership.”
A person might exclaim, “I’m done trying to fix this, I’m abandoning the project!”

12. Forsake

To forsake something means to abandon or renounce it, often with a sense of betrayal or disappointment. It implies that the person has chosen to no longer support or be involved with a particular person, cause, or belief.

For instance, “He felt forsaken by his friends when they stopped including him in their plans.”
In a religious context, someone might proclaim, “I will never forsake my faith.”
A person might declare, “I’ve decided to forsake my dreams of becoming an artist and pursue a more stable career.”

13. Renounce

To renounce something means to formally give it up or declare that one no longer supports or believes in it. It often implies a conscious decision to reject or disown a particular belief, position, or association.

For example, “She decided to renounce her citizenship and become a citizen of a different country.”
In a political context, someone might announce, “I renounce my affiliation with this party and its policies.”
A person might declare, “I renounce all claims to the inheritance and choose to live independently.”

14. Cede

To cede something means to give up or surrender control or possession of it. It often implies a transfer of power or authority to another party.

For instance, “The country was forced to cede territory to its neighboring nation after losing the war.”
In a negotiation, someone might say, “We are willing to cede some of our demands in order to reach a compromise.”
A person might admit, “I have no choice but to cede control of the project to someone more experienced.”

15. Relinquish

To relinquish something means to voluntarily give it up or let go of it. It suggests a willingness to release or surrender possession, control, or responsibility.

For example, “She decided to relinquish her role as CEO and retire.”
In a legal context, someone might state, “I hereby relinquish all claims to the property.”
A person might say, “It’s time for me to relinquish my hold on this grudge and move on with my life.”

16. Waive

To voluntarily give up a right, claim, or privilege. “Waive” is often used in legal contexts but can also refer to giving up something in a more general sense.

For example, a person might say, “I’ll waive my right to be compensated if you agree to drop the charges.”
In a negotiation, someone might offer, “I’m willing to waive my demand for a higher salary if we can reach a compromise.”
A team might decide to waive a player from their roster, indicating they are giving up their rights to that player.

17. Discontinue

To cease doing or providing something. “Discontinue” implies a deliberate decision to halt an activity, service, or product.

For instance, a company might announce, “We will discontinue this product line due to low demand.”
A person might say, “I’ve decided to discontinue my subscription to this streaming service.”
A teacher might inform students, “Due to scheduling conflicts, we will discontinue this after-school club.”

18. Cease

To bring or come to an end. “Cease” is a more formal term for stopping or halting an action or process.

For example, a military commander might order, “Cease fire!”
In a conflict, someone might say, “I hope the fighting will cease soon.”
A person might ask, “When will this rain ever cease?”

19. Desist

To stop doing something, especially in response to a request or demand. “Desist” implies a cessation of action after being asked or instructed to stop.

For instance, a person might say, “I politely asked my neighbor to desist from playing loud music late at night.”
A sign might read, “No trespassing. Desist immediately.”
A teacher might tell a student, “Please desist from talking during class.”

20. Yield

To give up or surrender, often in the face of pressure or opposition. “Yield” can also refer to producing or providing a result or outcome.

For example, a person might say, “I had to yield to the other driver to avoid a collision.”
In a negotiation, someone might concede, “I’m willing to yield on this point if you meet me halfway.”
A farmer might proudly announce, “This year’s harvest yielded a record amount of crops.”

21. Retire

To retire means to voluntarily withdraw from a job or occupation, typically due to age or a desire to stop working. In the context of giving up, it means to stop pursuing a goal or endeavor.

For example, after a long and successful career, a professional athlete might decide to retire from the sport.
In a discussion about someone giving up on their dreams, someone might say, “Sometimes it’s necessary to retire certain aspirations and focus on new ones.”
A person might use this term to describe their decision to stop trying in a difficult situation, saying, “I’ve decided to retire from dating for a while and focus on myself.”

22. Forfeit

To forfeit means to give up something as a penalty or punishment, often as a result of failing to meet a requirement or expectation. It can also refer to voluntarily giving up something valuable.

For instance, in a game or competition, a team might forfeit if they are unable to continue or if they violate the rules.
In a discussion about someone giving up on a project, someone might say, “They had to forfeit their plans due to unforeseen circumstances.”
A person might use this term to describe their decision to give up on a difficult challenge, saying, “After multiple failed attempts, I decided to forfeit and try something else.”

23. Resile

To resile means to retract or withdraw from a previously held position or commitment. It can also refer to giving up on an idea or course of action.

For example, in a business deal, one party might resile from the agreement if they no longer find it favorable.
In a discussion about someone giving up on a relationship, someone might say, “They resiled from their commitment to make things work.”
A person might use this term to describe their decision to give up on a plan, saying, “After careful consideration, I’ve decided to resile from my original proposal.”

24. Quit cold turkey

To quit cold turkey means to stop doing something abruptly and completely, without gradually reducing or tapering off. It is often used in the context of giving up a habit or addiction.

For instance, someone trying to quit smoking might decide to quit cold turkey, without using any nicotine replacement products.
In a discussion about someone giving up on a bad habit, someone might say, “They decided to quit cold turkey and haven’t looked back.”
A person might use this term to describe their decision to give up on a destructive behavior, saying, “I realized I needed to quit cold turkey and prioritize my health.”

25. Give it up

To give it up means to surrender or admit defeat. It can also refer to giving up on a task, goal, or expectation.

For example, in a sports competition, a team might give it up if they are losing by a significant margin.
In a discussion about someone giving up on a project, someone might say, “They finally gave it up after months of struggling.”
A person might use this term to describe their decision to give up on a difficult challenge, saying, “I realized it was time to give it up and focus on something else.”

26. Chuck it in

This phrase means to give up or stop trying. It is often used when someone is facing a difficult or hopeless situation.

For example, if a project is not going well, someone might say, “I think it’s time to chuck it in and start over.”
In a sports context, a coach might tell their team, “Don’t chuck it in just because you’re behind. Keep fighting!”
A person might use this phrase to describe their decision to leave a job, saying, “I realized it was time to chuck it in and find something better.”

27. Lay down one’s arms

This expression refers to the act of surrendering or giving up in a conflict or battle. It can be used both literally and figuratively.

For instance, during a war, a general might say, “It’s time to lay down our arms and negotiate for peace.”
In a metaphorical sense, someone might say, “After years of arguing, I decided to lay down my arms and make amends with my family.”
A person might use this phrase to describe their decision to stop arguing or fighting with someone, saying, “I realized it was pointless and decided to lay down my arms.”

28. Bow to the inevitable

This phrase means to accept or surrender to something that is inevitable or unavoidable. It implies that there is no point in resisting or fighting against it.

For example, if someone is facing a difficult situation, they might say, “I had no choice but to bow to the inevitable.”
In a discussion about the future, someone might say, “With the rise of technology, we will eventually have to bow to the inevitable and adapt.”
A person might use this phrase to describe their acceptance of a challenging decision or outcome, saying, “I finally bowed to the inevitable and accepted that the relationship was over.”

29. Give it up as a lost cause

This expression means to give up on something because it is unlikely to succeed or be successful. It implies that further effort or investment would be futile.

For instance, if someone has been trying to fix a broken appliance without success, they might say, “I give it up as a lost cause.”
In a discussion about a failing business, someone might say, “After years of trying to turn it around, I finally gave it up as a lost cause.”
A person might use this phrase to describe their decision to stop pursuing a goal or dream, saying, “I realized it was time to give it up as a lost cause and focus on something else.”