Word
outpatient
Phoneticsout·pa·tient, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈaʊtˌpeɪʃənt/
UK/aʊtpˈeɪʃənt/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a person who goes to a hospital for treatment but does not stay there overnight. You visit the doctor or get a test and then go home the same day.
n. a patient who receives medical treatment at a hospital or clinic without being admitted for an overnight stay.
Examples
“The hospital treated her as an outpatient for her broken arm.”
“Most minor surgeries are now performed on an outpatient basis, allowing patients to recover in the comfort of their own homes.”
“The new wing of the medical center is dedicated entirely to outpatient services, streamlining the process for those requiring diagnostic imaging or physical therapy without hospitalisation.”
Examples
simple
“The hospital treated her as an outpatient for her broken arm.”
contextual
“Most minor surgeries are now performed on an outpatient basis, allowing patients to recover in the comfort of their own homes.”
complex
“The new wing of the medical center is dedicated entirely to outpatient services, streamlining the process for those requiring diagnostic imaging or physical therapy without hospitalisation.”
Usage
Often used as a modifier before another noun ('outpatient clinic', 'outpatient surgery').
Real-World Examples
“This is because they only cover urgent care in public hospitals not, routine or private outpatient MRIs.” “On Thursday, the Southern Trust said that 143 outpatient appointments had been rescheduled, as had 11 surgeries.” Etymology
From out- + patient.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- 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 C1.785–944EikenEikenTest in Practical English ProficiencyThe English proficiency test from the Eiken Foundation of Japan, widely taken by Japanese students. Grades run from 5 to 1, with Pre-1 and Pre-2 between them.Pre-1
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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