1 B2 neutral
To reach the maximum age allowed for a programme, benefit, or institution and therefore no longer be eligible.
"Many young people struggle when they age out of the foster care system at eighteen."
inseparable
age out
B2 neutral inseparable intransitive
To become too old to qualify for or participate in a particular programme, benefit, or system.
In plain English
To get too old to be part of a programme or system that has an age limit.
What does "age out" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 neutral
To become too old for a junior or youth-level sports programme.
"She aged out of the under-18 tennis circuit and moved to the senior tour."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To pass out of eligibility as one ages — the age itself moves you out.
Actually means
To get too old to be part of a programme or system that has an age limit.
Usage tip
Common in social work, foster care, sports, and insurance contexts. A young person 'ages out' of the foster care system when they turn 18 in many countries. Also used in sports for junior programmes.
Words that pair with "age out"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
foster care system programme coverage league benefit
How to conjugate "age out"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
age out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
ages out
he/she/it
Past simple
aged out
yesterday
Past participle
aged out
have + pp
-ing form
aging out
continuous
Hear "age out" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "age out" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "age out"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
be too old for exceed the age limit graduate from outgrow
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