The difference between Forfeit and Forgo

When used as verbs, forfeit means to suffer the loss of something by wrongdoing or non-compliance, whereas forgo means to let pass, to leave alone, to let go.


Forfeit is also noun with the meaning: a penalty for or consequence of a misdemeanor.

Forfeit is also adjective with the meaning: lost or alienated for an offense or crime.

check bellow for the other definitions of Forfeit and Forgo

  1. Forfeit as a noun:

    A penalty for or consequence of a misdemeanor.

    Examples:

    "That he our deadly forfeit should release'' (John Milton, ''On the Morning of Christ's Nativity'', 1629)"

  2. Forfeit as a noun:

    A thing forfeited; that which is taken from somebody in requital of a misdeed committed; that which is lost, or the right to which is alienated, by a crime, breach of contract, etc.

    Examples:

    "He who murders pays the forfeit of his own life."

  3. Forfeit as a noun:

    Something deposited and redeemable by a sportive fine as part of a game.

  4. Forfeit as a noun (obsolete, rare):

    Injury; wrong; mischief.

  1. Forfeit as a verb:

    To suffer the loss of something by wrongdoing or non-compliance

    Examples:

    "He forfeited his last chance of an early release from jail by repeatedly attacking another inmate."

  2. Forfeit as a verb:

    To lose a contest, game, match, or other form of competition by voluntary withdrawal, by failing to attend or participate, or by violation of the rules

    Examples:

    "Because only nine players were present, the football team was forced to forfeit the game."

  3. Forfeit as a verb:

    To be guilty of a misdeed; to be criminal; to transgress.

  4. Forfeit as a verb:

    To fail to keep an obligation.

  1. Forfeit as an adjective:

    Lost or alienated for an offense or crime; liable to penal seizure.

  1. Forgo as a verb:

    To let pass, to leave alone, to let go.

  2. Forgo as a verb:

    To do without, to abandon, to renounce.

    Examples:

    "The only way to avoid shame is to forgo acting shamefully."

  3. Forgo as a verb:

    To refrain from, to abstain from, to pass up, to withgo.

    Examples:

    "I wouldn't forgo something, unless I'm convinced that it's detrimental in some way or another."

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