verb

opt out

opt OWT

Opt out (verb) means to choose not to take part in something you would otherwise be included in automatically. Example: “You are enrolled in the pension by default, but you can opt out at any time.”

verb

To choose not to take part in something you would otherwise be included in automatically.

"You are enrolled in the pension by default, but you can opt out at any time."

"Parents who wish to opt out of the trip should return the form by Friday."

noun

An arrangement or clause that lets a party avoid a rule, agreement or default that would otherwise apply to them. Usually written opt-out.

"The UK negotiated an opt-out from the single currency."

"There is an opt-out at the bottom of every email we send."

adjective

Describing a system in which people are included by default and must actively ask to be excluded. Written opt-out.

"The country moved to an opt-out organ donation register in 2020."

How to Use Opt out

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo say no to something you were signed up for automatically.

When to use it

Neutral; common in legal, policy and consumer contexts.

Memory tip

The preposition is always 'of': you opt out of something, never opt out from it.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

opt in drop out back out

Common pairings

opt out of marketing emails opt-out clause opt-out rate the right to opt out

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Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

You are enrolled in the pension by default, but you can _____ at any time.

Etymology

From opt, via French opter from Latin optare 'to choose', plus the particle out.

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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withdraw decline pull out unsubscribe exemption exclusion waiver

Antonyms

opt in enrol sign up opt-in

Related Words

leave fall increase addition contract freedom accept register

Rhymes for opt out

out tout bout gout lout pout rout about trout spout clout grout

See all rhymes for opt out →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between opt out and opt in?

Opt in means nothing happens unless you actively say yes; opt out means it happens automatically unless you actively say no. Opt-out schemes produce far higher participation, which is why they are used for pensions and organ donation and why data-protection law restricts them for marketing.

Is it opt out or opt-out?

Use two words for the verb, as in 'you can opt out today', and a hyphen for the noun and the adjective, as in 'an opt-out clause' or 'an opt-out system'.

Can you opt out of automatic pension enrolment?

In schemes with automatic enrolment you normally can, within a set window after being enrolled, by telling the scheme provider rather than your employer. Opting out means giving up the employer's contribution as well as your own, so it is rarely to your financial advantage.

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