Word
outlast
Phoneticsout·last, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈaʊtˌɫæst/
UK/aʊtlˈɑːst/
Definition
v. to stay alive or continue for a longer time than someone or something else. You use this when comparing how long two things last.
v. to survive or continue for a longer duration than another person or thing. Transitive — requires a direct object.
Examples
“The old oak tree will outlast the new fence.”
“The experienced hikers knew they would outlast the storm if they stayed in the shelter and waited for the winds to die down.”
“While the initial marketing campaign was flashy, the brand's reputation for quality was designed to outlast the novelty of the first few advertisements.”
Examples
simple
“The old oak tree will outlast the new fence.”
contextual
“The experienced hikers knew they would outlast the storm if they stayed in the shelter and waited for the winds to die down.”
complex
“While the initial marketing campaign was flashy, the brand's reputation for quality was designed to outlast the novelty of the first few advertisements.”
Real-World Examples
“After all, Ukraine's security is our security."
He said the friendship Ukraine shared with the UK would "long outlast Russia's illegal war", adding: "Russia should be in no doubt of our resolve.” Etymology
From out- + last.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
DETERMINER
- 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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englishreference.com/q/outlast