desertion

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

One of his first initiatives is an audit of battlefield losses -- ranking commanders based on casualty levels, in an attempt to address high levels of desertion among rank-and-file troops and the unpopularity of mobilisation.

From Barron's • Mar. 12, 2026

The charges included voluntary surrender, attempting to voluntarily surrender and desertion from a military unit.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 22, 2025

Soldiers are underpaid, under-equipped and often have poor morale, with desertion having long been an issue.

From BBC • Dec. 6, 2024

The Franklin Institute acquired the plane in 1933, when Bergdoll was living as a fugitive in Germany, to which he had fled after his conviction for desertion.

From New York Times • Nov. 29, 2024

After my father’s desertion, my mother’s ardently religious disposition dominated the household and I was often taken to Sunday school where I met God’s representative in the guise of a tall, black preacher.

From "Black Boy" by Richard Wright