Word
outgrow
Phoneticsout·grow, stress on the second syllable
US/ˌaʊtˈɡɹoʊ/
UK/aʊtɡɹˈəʊ/
Definition
v. to grow too big for something, like clothes or shoes that no longer fit you. You also use it when you stop enjoying something as you get older.
v. to become too large for something to still fit or hold; to leave behind an interest, habit, or behaviour through natural growth or maturity.
Examples
“Children quickly outgrow their shoes.”
“He kept his old bike for years, but at fourteen he finally outgrew it and needed a larger one.”
“She had once loved loud parties, but in her late twenties she outgrew that life and began to prefer quiet evenings with close friends.”
Examples
simple
“Children quickly outgrow their shoes.”
contextual
“He kept his old bike for years, but at fourteen he finally outgrew it and needed a larger one.”
complex
“She had once loved loud parties, but in her late twenties she outgrew that life and began to prefer quiet evenings with close friends.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “outgrow” in context.
Verb
01. outgrow clothes
“My little brother outgrew his clothes in just one year.”
verb + noun
02. outgrow habit
“He outgrew the habit of biting his nails as a teenager.”
verb + noun
03. outgrow interest
“Many teens outgrow an interest in cartoons as they get older.”
verb + noun
04. outgrow phase
“She outgrew her shy phase after starting secondary school.”
verb + noun
05. outgrow toy
“They outgrew their toys and gave them to younger cousins.”
verb + noun
06. outgrow uniform
“She outgrew her school uniform before the end of term.”
verb + noun
07. eventually outgrow a fear
“Most children eventually outgrow a fear of the dark.”
08. outgrow a childhood interest
“He outgrew a childhood interest in dinosaurs by age twelve.”
09. outgrow an old habit
“With time, she outgrew an old habit of sucking her thumb.”
10. outgrow your clothes
“You will outgrow your clothes so quickly at your age.”
11. quickly outgrow your toys
“Young children quickly outgrow your toys and need new challenges.”
Usage
The verb is transitive and takes a direct object.
Real-World Examples
“Most twins outgrow their private words as they gain more exposure to other people beyond the home.” “The prior belief that most children would easily outgrow milk allergies, typically by age 3, is likely incorrect.” “He added, "Not only are there more children with allergies, but fewer are able to outgrow them, and those who do typically take longer than before.” Etymology
From out- + grow.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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