opt-out vs withdraw

Both 'opt-out' and 'withdraw' are correct phrases, but they are used in different contexts. 'Opt-out' is commonly used in the context of choosing not to participate in something, such as marketing emails or a program. 'Withdraw' is more general and can be used in various situations to mean removing oneself from a particular situation or activity.

Last updated: March 25, 2024 • 1367 views

opt-out

The term 'opt-out' is correct and commonly used, especially in the context of choosing not to participate in something.

It is used when someone decides not to participate in a particular program, service, or agreement by actively choosing to opt out.

Examples:

You can opt-out of receiving promotional emails by clicking the unsubscribe link.
Customers have the option to opt-out of the loyalty program at any time.
Make sure to read the terms and conditions before deciding to opt-out.
The website allows users to easily opt-out of data collection.
She decided to opt-out of the study due to personal reasons.

Show examples from the web [+]

3.2 Use of the opt-out in the Member States.
There is no point in submitting an evaluation report once the opt-out has ended.
The opt-out has existed without safeguards since 1993.
Currently in the UK, we enjoy an opt-out from the 48-hour working week.
There is no doubt that it was only the change from Conservative to Labour government in Britain and France that made a social policy without opt-out and an employment chapter at all possible.
Not even a suggestion of an end to the opt-out was accepted.
The insistence on the removal of the opt-out at all costs became a sacred cow.
The reason we did not reach agreement was the opt-out.
I can confirm that there is actually a majority in favour of removing the opt-out.
So while some Member States want an opt-out, others rightly fear that this would increase protectionism.
The opt-out method is inconsistent with a united Europe.
Poland will accede to the Charter of Fundamental Rights in full, without any opt-out.
Under Article 81 of the EU Treaty, block exemptions currently grant some commercial agreements in the pub trade an opt-out from EU competition law.
The Cappato report proposes that the opt-out system could also be adopted.
However it keeps the integrity and efficiency of the scheme at higher level than if a unconditional voluntary participation (national and/or installations opt-out) would be accepted.
It is also hard to see how exclusive Community competence can be squared with the Danish opt-out...
MEPs went for the "opt-out" model which ensures that the Eurotariff applies by default - unless the customer chooses otherwise.
Member States may make provision for a partial voluntary opt-out for small distributors or retail energy sales companies from the application of this Directive.
It is quite likely, in my view, that the UK will lose the opt-out.
The Council's aim was to restrict the use of opt-out in the Member States, but primarily to enhance the protection of employees who are using the opt-out.

Alternatives:

decline to participate
choose not to be involved
refuse to join
deselect
unenroll

withdraw

The term 'withdraw' is correct and can be used in various situations to mean removing oneself from a particular situation or activity.

It is a more general term that can be used in different contexts, such as withdrawing from a competition, a conversation, or a commitment.