outlive

American  

[out-liv] / ˌaʊtˈlɪv /

verb (used with object)

outlived, outliving

1. to live longer than; survive (a person, period, etc.).

   She outlived her husband by many years.

2. to outlast; live or last through.

   The ship outlived the storm. He hopes to outlive the stigma of his imprisonment.

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outlive British  

/ ˌaʊtˈlɪv /

verb

1. to live longer than (someone)

2. to live beyond (a date or period)

   he outlived the century

3. to live through (an experience)

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Related Words

See survive.

Other Word Forms

• outliver noun

Etymology

Origin of outlive

First recorded in 1425–75, outlive is from the late Middle English word outliven. See out-, live ¹

Example Sentences

He never had to wonder whether he would outlive his income.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 24, 2026

"Dad always believed stories outlive people. In a way, this is him still helping families he will never meet, which I think is the most beautiful legacy you can leave."

From BBC • Mar. 5, 2026

Mr. Vance should develop initiatives, private sector-based or legislatively codified, that can outlive the task force itself.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 1, 2026

Senator Charles Grassley, an Iowa Republican who chaired the hearing, called UBS's conduct an "historic shame that'll outlive today's hearing."

From Barron's • Feb. 3, 2026

We married with simple hopes: enough to eat and children who might outlive us.

From "The Poisonwood Bible" by Barbara Kingsolver