# count out

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/count-out
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

to decide that someone or something is not included in a plan or activity.

For teachers: to exclude someone or something from a group, activity, or consideration; often used when the subject feels they cannot participate or when a possibility is dismissed.

## Examples

- If you are going hiking in the rain, count me out.
- The team had to count out their star player for the final match due to a sudden knee injury.
- While many analysts have dismissed the startup's chances of success, it would be a mistake to count them out of the race just yet.

## Pitfalls

- Not "Please count out me." but "Please count me out." — when the object is a pronoun like 'me', it must go between the verb and the particle.

## Usage notes

- often used in the first person to decline an invitation or in the passive voice to show exclusion.
- Teaching tip: contrast with 'count on' (to rely on) to show how the particle changes the meaning from inclusion/reliance to exclusion.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.