Left on read definition: what "Left on read" means and examples

February 12, 2026

The act of seeing a message but choosing not to reply, leaving the "Read" receipt visible.

This is one of the most common grievances in digital life. When you are "left on read," you know for a fact the other person has seen your message because the app tells you so, yet they have remained silent. It is often interpreted as a deliberate snub or a sign that the other person doesn't value the conversation. It creates a specific kind of modern anxiety where the silence feels loud. For a teenager, being left on read by a crush or a best friend can feel like a major social "L."

Examples:

  1. "I can't believe he left me on read for three hours after I asked him a direct question."
  2. "I didn't mean to leave you on read; I opened the message and then got distracted by dinner."
  3. "She always leaves people on read when she is annoyed with them; it is her way of being petty."

We've compiled this dictionary of common teen slang to help parents communicate with their kids. SafetyMode is the world's most advanced parental safety app for phones, making any Android phone safe for kids. You can find out more and download the app just here.

Related words

A secret romantic or sexual partner that a person meets with privately without public knowledge.

Sneaky Link definition: what "Sneaky Link" means and examples

A slang term representing the total number of sexual partners a person has had in their lifetime.

Body Count definition: what "Body Count" means and examples

When someone abruptly ends all communication with another person without any explanation.

Ghosted definition: what "Ghosted" means and examples

An acronym meaning Down To F**k, indicating a willingness to engage in casual sexual activity.

DTF definition: what "DTF" means and examples

A romantic arrangement that is more than a friendship but lacks a formal "boyfriend or girlfriend" label.

Situationship definition: what "Situationship" means and examples

The early period of getting to know a potential romantic partner before any commitment is made.

Talking stage definition: what "Talking stage" means and examples

Trusted by

We're proud to have the support and trust of parents...

“I felt that the safety features were really suitable for me to be able to support my child whilst using the phone. It was good that I was able to manage these.”

Jane – Mum of 11 year old

“He couldn't access restricted material and it wasn't even coming up for him due to the settings. It gave me a peace of mind as I can't police him all the time with the phone.”

Tom – Dad of 13 year old

... and the trust of experts and well known people

John Carter - App Webflow Template
Dr Jessica Barker MBE
Cyber security expert
Testimonials Stars - Apps Webflow Template

"There are few topics more important than mobile security, especially when it comes to kids"

John Carter - App Webflow Template
Hugh and Anna Grant
Parents sharing
3 children
Testimonials Stars - Apps Webflow Template

"The most important and essential new tool for parents this year"