outgoing

American  

[out-goh-ing, -goh-] / ˈaʊtˌgoʊ ɪŋ, -ˈgoʊ- /

adjective

1. going out; departing.

   outgoing trains.

2. leaving or retiring from a position or office.

   A farewell party was given for the outgoing members of the board of directors.

3. addressed and ready for posting.

   outgoing mail.

4. of or relating to food prepared for delivery or consumption off the premises.

   outgoing orders at the pizza parlor.

5. interested in and responsive to others; friendly; sociable.

   an outgoing personality.

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noun

1. Chiefly British. Usually outgoings. expenses; money expended.

2. the act of going out.

   The ship's outgoing proved more difficult than its incoming.

3. something that goes out; effluence.

   an outgoing measured in kilowatt hours.

outgoing British  

/ ˈaʊtˌɡəʊɪŋ /

adjective

1. departing; leaving

2. leaving or retiring from office

   the outgoing chairman

3. friendly and sociable

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noun

1. the act of going out

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.

Example Sentences

Shin is set to succeed outgoing BOK Gov. Rhee Chang-yong, whose term ends April 20, ahead of the next rate-setting meeting in May.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 15, 2026

Opposition candidate Paul Hounkpe offered "republican congratulations" to finance minister Wadagni, 49, who had been widely tipped to win after being endorsed by outgoing leader Patrice Talon.

From Barron's • Apr. 13, 2026

Sunday's presidential election comes about four months after outgoing President Patrice Talon survived a coup attempt, when Nigeria - the regional superpower - sent warplanes to bombard mutinous soldiers who had attempted to overthrow him.

From BBC • Apr. 9, 2026

On March 23, a few days after Halioua’s frightening ordeal, the transport ministry limited flights to one per hour and capped each outgoing flight at 50 passengers.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026

It seemed to me that the earth was generous and outgoing here in the heartland, and perhaps the people took a cue from it.

From "Travels with Charley in Search of America" by John Steinbeck