How can a patent application become formally abandoned?

A patent application can become formally abandoned through an explicit action by the applicant or their representative. MPEP 203.05 states that an abandoned application includes one that is removed from the Office docket of pending applications: (A) through formal abandonment by the applicant or by the attorney or agent of record. This means the applicant or their legal representative can submit a formal request to abandon the application, effectively ending its prosecution.