What does outgrow mean?
Outgrow is a transitive verb meaning to become too large, mature, or capable for something that previously suited you. The expression is especially common in descriptions of development: a child outgrows clothes, a young adult outgrows a childhood hobby, or an employee outgrows a junior role. It can also describe leaving behind a fear, habit, or stage of life, as in “She outgrew her fear of public speaking.” In comparisons, outgrow can mean to surpass someone in skill, success, or influence: an ambitious actor may outgrow a leading co-star. The word carries a positive or neutral sense of development and change, suggesting that continued growth makes an earlier limitation irrelevant. It is distinct from simply growing larger, because the emphasis is on becoming mismatched with, or more advanced than, a particular person, object, role, or condition.
verbTo become too large, mature, or advanced for something, especially a person, garment, or activity. It can also mean to surpass someone or something in development, ability, or importance.
- To become too large, mature, or advanced for something.
- To surpass or develop beyond another person or thing.
- To recover from or cease to be affected by a past condition, emotion, or stage of life.
"She has outgrown the coat she wore as a child."
"The seedlings quickly outgrew the small pots in which they were planted."
"A young footballer may outgrow the position in which he first made his name."
Outgrow captures the moment when yesterday's clothes, habits, or limitations no longer fit the person you have become.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does outgrow come from?
Outgrow is a compound formed in the early 19th century from the prefix out- and the verb grow. In its earliest uses, it referred to literal growth beyond a limit or boundary. The word later extended metaphorically to development beyond a role, ability, or stage, and to leaving behind an earlier habit or characteristic.
Related word forms
How outgrow is actually used
The word is commonly used for people developing beyond physical size, responsibilities, habits, or interests, and for objects becoming too small or inadequate. It can also mean to become more successful, knowledgeable, or influential than another person.
Easily confused with outgrow
Outgrow means to become too large or advanced for something, whereas outreach means an effort to reach or communicate with people outside a group or organization.
Outgrow means to surpass or become too mature for something, whereas outburst refers to a sudden forceful expression or release.