What does outgoings mean?
Outgoings are the payments, expenses, or costs that leave a household, business, charity, or other organization. The word is especially common in British English in discussions of budgets, household finances, and organizational accounts. For example, a company may reduce its outgoings by lowering overheads, while a charity may need to increase them to expand its services. Although “outgoings” can refer to individual payments, it is often used collectively for regular or necessary expenditure. The related term “outgoing” has a broader meaning and can describe anything moving or directed away from a person or place. In financial writing, “outgoings” normally contrasts with “income” or “revenue,” money that comes in.
nounThe money that is spent or paid out; expenses or expenditure. The term is also used more generally for outgoing payments or the costs of running an organization or activity.
- Money spent or paid out, especially by a household, business, charity, or government organization.
- The total costs or expenses involved in operating an organization, activity, or budget.
"The charity reduced its monthly outgoings without reducing the help it provides."
"Household outgoings increased sharply after the move."
"The grant covers the project’s building and maintenance outgoings."
Already plural in standard usage; there is no distinct singular form in ordinary modern English.
"The committee reviewed the charity’s monthly outgoings."
Outgoings are the money that leaves your account—but the word also captures the everyday idea of sending something out.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does outgoings come from?
The word is formed from “out” and “go,” reflecting the idea of money or resources going out. Its development is connected with the older noun “outgo,” meaning expenditure or a going out. The root “go” is an ancient English verb descended from Old English “gān,” and “ago” is a related word formed from the same broad Germanic and Indo-European ancestry.
How outgoings is actually used
Chiefly British and often used in financial or administrative contexts. It is a plural noun, while the related adjective is “outgoing.”
Easily confused with outgoings
Outgoings are money leaving an organization or person, whereas income is money received.
“Outgoing” can describe something directed away from a place or person, while “outgoings” specifically refers to money paid out.