outgoing
Americanadjective
-
going out; departing.
outgoing trains.
-
leaving or retiring from a position or office.
A farewell party was given for the outgoing members of the board of directors.
-
addressed and ready for posting.
outgoing mail.
-
of or relating to food prepared for delivery or consumption off the premises.
outgoing orders at the pizza parlor.
-
interested in and responsive to others; friendly; sociable.
an outgoing personality.
noun
-
Chiefly British. Usually outgoings. expenses; money expended.
-
the act of going out.
The ship's outgoing proved more difficult than its incoming.
-
something that goes out; effluence.
an outgoing measured in kilowatt hours.
adjective
-
departing; leaving
-
leaving or retiring from office
the outgoing chairman
-
friendly and sociable
noun
Etymology
Origin of outgoing
First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English (gerund); out- + going
Explanation
The adjective outgoing describes someone with a friendly, easy personality. Your outgoing friend might not understand how hard it is for shy people to speak in front of an audience. If you're the only member of your outgoing family who is reserved, you might feel silent and invisible in their sociable midst. People who are outgoing are perfectly comfortable in social situations. A completely different meaning of outgoing describes someone who is departing, like an employee who will soon retire, or an outgoing club treasurer who isn't running for re-election.
Vocabulary lists containing outgoing
"Genes: All in the Family" and "How to See DNA"
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Save Me a Seat
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Stand Up, Yumi Chung!
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Analysts expect outgoing BOK Governor Rhee Chang-yong to refrain from offering clear guidance at his final policy meeting before his term ends on April 20.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026
Sullivan described his son as a "beautiful, lovely, outgoing, loving boy".
From BBC • Apr. 9, 2026
But for Tony Gates, the outgoing CEO of the Northumberland National Park Authority, the dog poo issue is the one he "can't get my head around".
From BBC • Apr. 6, 2026
She’s also engaged in time-honored traditions: recording an outgoing voicemail message, prank calling and fighting with a sibling over who gets to use it.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 6, 2026
It’s easier to talk people who are outgoing.
From "Mockingbird" by Kathryn Erskine
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
