outflow

American  

[out-floh] / ˈaʊtˌfloʊ /

noun

1. the act of flowing out.

   We need flood control to stem the river's outflow.

2. something that flows out.

   to measure the outflow in gallons per minute.

3. any outward movement.

   the annual outflow of tourists.

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outflow British  

/ ˈaʊtˌfləʊ /

noun

1. anything that flows out, such as liquid, money, ideas, etc

2. the amount that flows out

3. the act or process of flowing out

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Etymology

Origin of outflow

First recorded in 1790–1800; out- + flow

Example Sentences

This gap—plus continued negative headlines about private credit—could lead to even bigger outflow requests from private funds in the coming quarters.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

Some major U.S. metro areas, including Los Angeles and Miami, are shrinking due to a sharp slowdown in immigration and a continued outflow of domestic migrants.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 26, 2026

U.S. exports rose 5.5% in January to a record $302.1 billion, but the increase was exaggerated by another large outflow of gold and other precious metals.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 12, 2026

Since the 1970s - when Britain ended trading agreements that had shored up New Zealand's economy and Australia introduced loosened work and travel restrictions - the outflow of people has surged sporadically.

From BBC • Mar. 2, 2026

That was the beginning of an outflow of talent from the Rad Lab.

From "Big Science" by Michael Hiltzik

Related Words

• discharge