unterbleiben
Translation
to be omitted, to not happen, to not take place, to cease
Examples
Eine Antwort ist bisher unterblieben.
A reply has not been forthcoming so far.
Bei Gefahr muss die Handlung unterbleiben.
In case of danger, the action must be omitted.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) is omitted / does not happen An immediate reaction was not forthcoming.
Similar Words
Synonyms: to be omitted, to not take place; Antonyms: stattfinden (to take place), erfolgen (to occur)
Etymology
From the prefix `unter-` (under) and the verb `bleiben` (to stay). It literally means 'to stay under', implying something doesn't surface or happen.
Memory Tips
Imagine a plan that 'stays under' the table and is never acted upon. It's a formal term often used in official contexts.