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

The Federal Reserve said Friday that outgoing Chair Jerome Powell would remain as its acting leader until Kevin Warsh, who was confirmed to a four-year term by the Senate this week, could be sworn in.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 15, 2026

Jerome Powell, the outgoing Fed chair, said he attempted a communications overhaul last year and was largely talked out of it by colleagues and staff.

From Barron's • May 11, 2026

The same rough edges that endeared Porter to many voters have also alienated some Democratic insiders and interest groups whose support could prove critical in the race to replace outgoing Gov. Gavin Newsom.

From Los Angeles Times • May 11, 2026

Incoming Tisza ministers say there will be no revenge against the outgoing government, but those guilty of financial crimes will be held accountable.

From BBC • May 8, 2026

“Um, I wrote down athletic, outgoing, generous, and then I couldn’t really think of another one.”

From "Watch Us Rise" by Renée Watson and Ellen Hagan