ghosting

noun

ghost·​ing ˈgō-stiŋ 

1

: a faint double image on a television screen or other display

also : the formation of such images

Such displays tend to suffer from ghosting, which shows up as extraneous lines on screen.

—Consumer Reports

2

informal : the act or practice of abruptly cutting off all contact with someone (such as a former romantic partner) usually without explanation by no longer accepting or responding to phone calls, instant messages, etc.

Romeo one minute, where'd he go the next? Ghosting is when you go poof and literally disappear out of someone's life without a word or explanation.

—Samantha Burns

"It's the fear of missing out on the thing, or person, that is coming next. … It may be a little mean, but we're dating; it's not like we're in a relationship," said one anonymous online dater in defense of ghosting.

—Chelsea Frisbie

see also ghost entry 2 sense 3

Examples of ghosting in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Swiping, ghosting, and endless conversations that rarely materialize into real-life dates have left people burned out and disillusioned. —Skye Battles, WIRED, 14 Feb. 2025

The left edge hosts a SIM/expansion slot, volume buttons and a screen refresh button (to clear the image of any ghosting). —New Atlas, 4 Feb. 2025

With many women no longer willing to accept ghosting, noncommitment, and harassment, men may be forced to change their ways or face being shut out of the dating pool. —Allie Volpe, Vox, 7 Dec. 2018

In fact, the ghosting of Biden may have to become a stiff-arm from Harris herself in these final days if her bid to block Trump is to have even odds. —Philip Elliott, TIME, 31 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1919, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for ghosting

• boasting
• coasting
• hosting
• posting
• roasting
• toasting
• composting