What does outlast mean?
Outlast means to live, continue, or remain effective for a longer time than someone or something else. The word is especially common when describing products, buildings, traditions, organizations, and other things whose durability or lasting value is being emphasized. For example, a sturdy design may outlast cheaper alternatives, while a generation-old custom may outlast changes in social fashion. Outlast is similar to outlive, but it is broader: it can refer not only to remaining alive but also to continued usefulness, success, or influence. Its use often carries a positive implication of strength, quality, or resilience. The term is widely understood in both British and American English and is appropriate in formal writing as well as ordinary conversation.
verbTo live or continue for a longer time than someone or something else. It can also mean to remain useful, successful, or effective longer than a competing thing.
- To live longer than another person or thing.
- To continue in existence, use, or effectiveness for a longer period than something else.
"The durable design was intended to outlast many of the cheaper alternatives."
"The old oak tree outlasted several generations of the village."
"A well-maintained machine will outlast one that receives little care."
Outlast is the verb behind the idea that the best products and ideas should keep working long after the competition has faded.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does outlast come from?
The word is formed from the prefix out-, meaning beyond or farther than, and last, meaning to remain or continue. The older English verb last developed from Old English læstan, related to words such as late and latest. The compound outlast became established in the early modern period, initially referring chiefly to surviving longer than another person and later extending to lasting beyond a competing object or period.
Related word forms
How outlast is actually used
Common in neutral and formal contexts, especially when discussing products, traditions, competitors, ideas, or anything expected to endure. It often implies superiority or durability rather than merely surviving.
Easily confused with outlast
Outlive usually focuses on remaining alive for a longer period, whereas outlast can also mean lasting longer in effectiveness, quality, or use.