outflow

American  

[out-floh] / ˈaʊtˌfloʊ /

noun

1. the act of flowing flow 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

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

The U.S. experienced net negative migration—an estimated loss of some 150,000 people—in 2025, and the outflow will likely increase in 2026, according to calculations by the Brookings Institution, a public-policy think tank.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 26, 2026

There are concerns it could announce a downgrade from emerging market to frontier market, which could spark an outflow of foreign capital.

From Barron's • Feb. 2, 2026

By means of a number of outflow valves, Soulzeren could control thrust in different directions—forward, backward, side to side.

From "Strange the Dreamer" by Laini Taylor

Related Words

• discharge