Words / C2

ri-NAYG/rɪˈneɪɡ/

To renege is to go back on a promise or agreement: renege on a deal, renege on published times (formal / disapproving). Break a promise is everyday; default (already in the dictionary) is failure to pay or to keep a contract, and also a computer pre-set. Recant (this batch) is to withdraw a belief, not to duck a timetable. Do not call a slipped exam clock “agile”.

Meaning

To go back on a promise, agreement, or undertaking (renege on).

Examples

• “To renege on published exam times is not “agile delivery”.”
• “Break a promise is everyday (already in A2 as promise). Default is of debts and settings (already in C1). Back out is informal. A dated amendment, notified in writing, is a change. Silence the night before is a broken undertaking. Keep the clock you printed; then argue the diary.”

Good to know

Go back on a promise (renege on). Everyday: break a promise. Close: default (already in C1). Contrast: recant (unsay a claim — this batch). Agile ≠ an unpublished start time.

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