1 B2 idiomatic informal
To defeat a competitor decisively, especially in a contest or business situation.
"Our team aced out the rivals in the final round of the pitch competition."
separable
ace out
B2 informal separable transitive
To defeat or outperform someone decisively, or to manoeuvre someone out of a position.
In plain English
To beat someone clearly, or to push someone out of a job or competition.
What does "ace out" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 C1 idiomatic informal
To manoeuvre someone out of a position or opportunity, often unfairly.
"He felt he had been aced out of the promotion by office politics."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To score an ace (winning serve/shot) to push someone out.
Actually means
To beat someone clearly, or to push someone out of a job or competition.
Usage tip
Primarily North American informal English. Can be used both for competition (outperforming) and for workplace situations (displacing someone). Separable: 'ace someone out' or 'ace out someone'.
Words that pair with "ace out"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
competitor rival opponent position contract deal
How to conjugate "ace out"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
ace out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
aces out
he/she/it
Past simple
aced out
yesterday
Past participle
aced out
have + pp
-ing form
acing out
continuous
Hear "ace out" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "ace out" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "ace out"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.