What does "outgoing" mean?

1. (friendly and social) friendly and energetic; you enjoy being with other people and talking to them. 2. (leaving a place) leaving a place or being sent out. 3. (leaving a job or position) leaving a job or a position of power, especially after an election. 4. (expenses) the money that you have to spend regularly, such as rent or bills.

How do you use "outgoing"?

Almost always used in the plural form 'outgoings'.

outgoing

adj. · n.

US //ˈaʊtˌɡoʊɪŋ// UK //aʊtɡˈəʊɪŋ// out·go·ing

1 friendly and social (adj.)
B1 Intermediate

friendly and energetic; you enjoy being with other people and talking to them.

describing a person who is extroverted, sociable, and comfortable in the company of others.

Example

She is very outgoing and makes new friends wherever she goes.

Example

The sales department is looking for an outgoing candidate who can build rapport with clients quickly and maintain long-term professional relationships.
- extroverted
- sociable
- gregarious
2 leaving a place (adj.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

leaving a place or being sent out.

moving away from a place or being dispatched to a destination.

Example

Please put all outgoing mail in the tray by the front door.

Example

The logistics manager monitored the outgoing shipments to ensure that all international orders were processed before the weekend courier cutoff.
- departing
- outbound
- incoming
- inbound

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3 leaving a job or position (adj.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Formal

leaving a job or a position of power, especially after an election.

describing an official or leader who is about to leave their position, typically after a successor has been chosen.

Example

The outgoing president gave a final speech before the new leader took over.

Example

The outgoing prime minister spent her final weeks in office ensuring a smooth transition of power to the newly elected administration.
- retiring
- departing
- incoming
4 expenses (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate British English

the money that you have to spend regularly, such as rent or bills.

the regular financial expenditures or costs incurred by an individual or business.

Example

We need to reduce our monthly outgoings if we want to save for a house.

Example

The accountant provided a detailed breakdown of the firm's monthly outgoings, highlighting several areas where operational costs could be streamlined.

Usage

Almost always used in the plural form 'outgoings'.
- income
- revenue

Origin

From outgo + -ing, out + going.