What does ghosted mean?
Ghosted is an informal English verb meaning to abruptly stop communicating with someone without explanation, especially in a digital or social context. It is the past tense and past participle of “ghost” and is used both actively, as in “she ghosted her friend,” and passively, as in “he was ghosted after the interview.” The term often suggests that the person has intentionally vanished from a conversation, relationship, or application process rather than simply become busy. It became especially common with texting and online dating, where a person can remain connected but choose not to respond. The word can be emotionally charged because being ghosted may leave the other person confused, rejected, or uncertain about what went wrong. Although it is widely understood in informal English, a more neutral expression may be preferable in professional settings.
verbTo abruptly stop communicating with someone, especially after a series of messages or interactions, without explaining why. It is also used as the past tense and past participle of “ghost.”
- To abruptly and completely stop communicating with someone, typically through text messages or other digital channels, without giving an explanation.
"After months of messages, she ghosted him and left him wondering what had happened."
"He ghosted his date after asking her to meet him at the restaurant."
"Several applicants said they were ghosted after submitting their applications."
In digital life, being ghosted is the modern equivalent of leaving a conversation without saying goodbye.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does ghosted come from?
The verb “ghost,” meaning to disappear or withdraw silently, developed from the older English word “ghost,” originally meaning a spirit or apparition. The general sense of vanishing without notice is older than the specifically digital use of the verb. In modern usage, “ghosting” expanded from online conversations to other forms of contact, including professional and social interactions.
Related word forms
How ghosted is actually used
This is informal and strongly associated with texting, social media, and online dating, though it can describe similar behavior in other settings. It usually implies a deliberate withdrawal from communication and can carry a sense of rejection or emotional hurt. “Ghosting” is the more common noun form.