What Does ‘Ghosting’ Mean?
Ghosting means ending contact with someone suddenly and without explanation, such as ignoring all messages.
Dating & friendships verb
Examples of ‘Ghosting’ in a sentence
- “She ghosted me after our second hangout.”
- “Do not ghost the group chat.”
Where does ‘Ghosting’ come from?
The term "ghosting" for sudden disappearance in relationships became popular in the 2010s and has a Wikipedia entry. The exact first use is not clear.
How to use it, and when not to
Use it to describe sudden silence. If you want to end contact, a short polite message is kinder.
For parents and teachers
Fine around parents and teachers. Safe. It is a fairly adult topic but widely used.
Related slang
Frequently asked questions
What does Ghosting mean?
Ghosting means ending contact with someone suddenly and without explanation, such as ignoring all messages.
Where does Ghosting come from?
The term "ghosting" for sudden disappearance in relationships became popular in the 2010s and has a Wikipedia entry. The exact first use is not clear.
Is Ghosting OK to say around parents or teachers?
Fine around parents and teachers. Safe. It is a fairly adult topic but widely used.
How do you use Ghosting in a sentence?
She ghosted me after our second hangout. Do not ghost the group chat.
More dating & friendships slang
Bestie, Breadcrumbing, Green flag, Pookie, Red flag, Rizz. Or browse the full A–Z / try the Slang Translator.
Sources
Definition written by VibeDex. Slang changes quickly, so this is a snapshot. Last reviewed 2026-10-23.