beg off: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Semi-formal to informal; polite conversational register.
Quick answer
What does “beg off” mean?
To ask to be excused from an obligation or invitation, often politely.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To ask to be excused from an obligation or invitation, often politely.
To withdraw from a commitment or arrangement by making a request, typically citing a reason such as illness or a prior engagement. The phrase often implies a polite or apologetic refusal.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Used in both varieties with minimal difference. Slightly more common in American English as a standard idiomatic phrase.
Connotations
Polite, slightly old-fashioned or formal in casual contexts in both varieties.
Frequency
Moderate frequency in both; not rare but not extremely common.
Grammar
How to Use “beg off” in a Sentence
beg off (intransitive)beg off something (transitive)beg off on somethingbeg off with an excuseVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “beg off” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He had to beg off the cricket match due to a sprained ankle.
- I'm afraid I must beg off from the pub tonight; I'm not feeling well.
American English
- She begged off the team dinner, citing a family obligation.
- Can I beg off? I have a ton of work to finish.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used to politely decline a meeting or event when a direct 'no' might seem too blunt. E.g., 'She begged off the conference call due to a scheduling conflict.'
Academic
Rare. More likely in informal communication between colleagues, e.g., 'He begged off the departmental lunch.'
Everyday
Common for social plans: 'I'm exhausted, so I'm going to beg off the party tonight.'
Technical
Not applicable.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “beg off”
- *I begged off him to leave. (Incorrect pattern; it's 'begged off the meeting' or intransitive.)
- Using it for sudden departures: *He begged off in the middle of dinner. (Incorrect; it's for prior refusal.)
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is semi-formal to informal. It's polite but not suited for highly formal or legal documents. It's perfect for emails and conversations.
Yes, it can be used intransitively. E.g., 'I'd love to come, but I have to beg off.' The object (the event) is implied from context.
'Cancel' is more direct and neutral; you can cancel an event itself. 'Beg off' is specifically from the perspective of a participant asking to be excused. It focuses on the personal request, not the action on the event.
Yes, it is used and understood, though some British speakers might use 'cry off' as a closer synonym. 'Beg off' is perfectly correct in BrE.
To ask to be excused from an obligation or invitation, often politely.
Beg off: in British English it is pronounced /ˌbeɡ ˈɒf/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌbeɡ ˈɔːf/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “cry off (UK-specific near-synonym)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a person BEGging on their knees to be let OFF the hook for an appointment. The image links 'beg' (plead) with 'off' (removal).
Conceptual Metaphor
OBLIGATION IS A BURDEN (begging to be let down from carrying it).
Practice
Quiz
In which scenario is 'beg off' used correctly?