废弃 (fèi qì) is a compound verb meaning 'to discard,' 'to abandon,' or 'to leave unused.' The first character 废 (fèi) means 'useless,' 'worn out,' or 'abolished,' while 弃 (qì) means 'to discard' or 'to forsake.' Together, they emphasize deliberate rejection — whether of physical objects (like old buildings or broken tools), infrastructure (such as outdated factories), or even abstract concepts (like outdated policies). It carries a formal, slightly literary tone and often implies permanence and finality.

This word is commonly used in environmental, urban planning, and policy contexts — for example, describing abandoned factories, decommissioned nuclear sites, or obsolete regulations. Unlike more casual terms like 扔掉 (rēng diào, 'to throw away'), 废弃 suggests systemic or institutional action, not just personal disposal. It frequently appears in news reports, government documents, and academic writing about sustainability, land use, or historical preservation.