งดออกเสียง

Explanation

งด means “to refrain from,” while ออกเสียง in this context means “to cast a vote.” Together, the expression refers to abstaining by voting neither for nor against a proposal. Voting results often list เห็นชอบ (in favor), ไม่เห็นชอบ (against), and งดออกเสียง (abstained). The action can be turned into a noun phrase as การงดออกเสียง, meaning “abstention from voting.”

Usage

It is commonly used for votes in parliaments, committees, boards, and general meetings. It frequently appears in news reports, meeting minutes, and official voting results.

Caution

This expression normally refers to abstaining from a vote, not remaining silent or resting one’s voice. Use งดใช้เสียง for avoiding use of the voice and งดพูด for refraining from speaking. It also differs from failing to go to an election or casting an invalid ballot.

1 abstain from voting synonyms

• งดลงคะแนนเสียง

  งดลงคะแนนเสียง explicitly says that someone refrains from casting a vote. งดออกเสียง is the shorter conventional expression commonly used in voting results and meeting records.