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adj Uncommon

outgoing

owt-GOH-ihng

Outgoing (adj) means Friendly, sociable, and comfortable meeting new people. Example: “She has an outgoing personality that makes her great at sales.”

adj
1
Friendly, sociable, and comfortable meeting new people.
"She has an outgoing personality that makes her great at sales."
2
Leaving a position or role, especially after being replaced.
"The outgoing president handed over power peacefully."
noun
1
Money that is spent or leaves a person or company's accounts.
"The business tracks its incomings and outgoings each month."

How to use outgoing

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSociable and open with people, or leaving a position, or (as a noun) money spent.

Common pairings
outgoing personality outgoing president monthly outgoings

Word forms

more outgoing comparative, outgoings plural, most outgoing superlative

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Test yourself on “outgoing” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

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Can you complete this real example?

She has an _____ personality that makes her great at sales.

Etymology

Formed from "outgo" plus "-ing."

Related words

Rhymes for outgoing

See all rhymes for outgoing →

Frequently asked questions

What does “outgoing” mean?

The word “outgoing” means friendly, sociable, and comfortable meeting new people. In plain terms, sociable and open with people, or leaving a position, or (as a noun) money spent.

How do you pronounce “outgoing”?

“Outgoing” is pronounced owt-GOH-ihng (/aʊtˈɡəʊɪŋ/ in IPA).

How do you use “outgoing” in a sentence?

Here is “outgoing” used in a sentence: “She has an outgoing personality that makes her great at sales.”

What is another word for “outgoing”?

Words with a similar meaning to “outgoing” include outgang.

What is the opposite of “outgoing”?

The opposite of “outgoing” — its antonyms — are introverted, asocial, reserved, shy and bashful.

What part of speech is “outgoing”?

Depending on how it is used, “outgoing” can be an adjective and a noun.

Is “outgoing” a common word?

“Outgoing” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “outgoing” have?

“Outgoing” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: friendly, sociable, and comfortable meeting new people.

What does outgoing mean when describing a person versus a role?

When describing a person, outgoing means friendly, sociable, and comfortable meeting new people. When describing a role, outgoing means leaving a position, especially after being replaced, as in "the outgoing president."

What are outgoings in a financial context?

Outgoings refer to money that is spent or leaves a person's or company's accounts, as opposed to incoming funds.

Is calling someone outgoing a compliment?

Generally yes, since outgoing describes a friendly, sociable person who is comfortable meeting new people.

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