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
1
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
1
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
1
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 notesIn 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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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.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for opt out
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.
What is the meaning of opt out?
"opt out" (verb) means to choose not to take part in something you would otherwise be included in automatically.
