outlast

American  

[out-last, -lahst] / ˌaʊtˈlæst, -ˈlɑst /

verb (used with object)

1. to endure or last longer than.

   The pyramids outlasted the civilization that built them.

2. to live longer than; outlive.

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outlast British  

/ ˈaʊtˌlɑːst /

verb

1. (tr) to last longer than

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Etymology

Origin of outlast

First recorded in 1565–75; out- + last ²

Explanation

To outlast is to live or survive longer than someone (or something) else. Sturdy old buildings will outlast newer, more flimsy and cheaply made structures. Typically, your parents will outlast your grandparents, and you will outlast your parents. You might convince yourself to buy some outrageously expensive shoes by thinking about the fact that they're so well made, they'll probably outlast the much cheaper pair you were considering. And you might wonder why a terrible TV show has been on for years, managing to outlast several brilliant ones that were cancelled after a single season.

Example Sentences

Companies are vying to outlast the competition on range.

From Barron's • Apr. 24, 2026

Oversight of payments to your brother not only prevents him from squandering the money, but it helps family wealth outlast a single generation, the law firm adds.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 16, 2026

About themselves, about the infinite expanse of creativity, about the power of music to cross borders, outlast wars, span centuries and still inspire.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 21, 2026

Neither side has achieved its strategic objectives so far, and both boast that they can outlast the other.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 10, 2026

Strong words outlast the paper they are written upon.

From "Code Talker: A Novel About the Navajo Marines of World War Two" by Joseph Bruchac

Related Words

• hang on
• outlive
• survive