outgoing

adjective

out·​go·​ing ˈau̇t-ˌgō-iŋ 

-ˌgȯ(-)iŋ

1

a

: going away : departing

an outgoing ship

b

: retiring or withdrawing from a place or position

the outgoing president

c

: directed to an intended recipient

outgoing mail

2

: openly friendly and responsive : extroverted

His outgoing personality made him popular at school.

outgoingness noun

Synonyms

• social
• friendly
• hospitable
• extroverted

Examples of outgoing in a Sentence

Outgoing mail goes in this box.

a salesman whose aggressively outgoing personality could sometimes be overbearing

Recent Examples on the Web

Joining in the festivities is outgoing French student Chloé (Cécile Matignon, hugely appealing), ostensibly in a relationship but flirting brazenly with Nicolau, who even after a few beers is too mournful to pick up the signals. —Guy Lodge, Variety, 10 July 2025

All three candidates launched campaigns in April to fill the vacancy of outgoing Sen. Gary Peters (D-MI). —Rachel Schilke, The Washington Examiner, 8 July 2025

The lawsuit names Beshear and outgoing Cabinet for Health and Family Services Secretary Eric Friedlander as defendants. —Lucas Aulbach, The Courier-Journal, 2 July 2025

As per past inaugurations, the day usually begins with a procession to the capitol in which the outgoing president typically accompanies the president-elect, according to JCCIC. —Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for outgoing

• bestowing
• churchgoing
• elbowing
• fallowing
• farrowing
• foregoing
• forgoing
• ongoing
• outflowing
• outgrowing
• seagoing
• tiptoeing

Kids Definition

outgoing

adjective

out·​go·​ing ˈau̇t-ˌgō-iŋ 

1

a

: going out : departing

outgoing tide

b

: retiring from a position

the outgoing governor

2

: being at ease and friendly when dealing with others

an outgoing person