1 B2 informal
Of something: to become no longer valid, current, or usable due to the passage of time.
"That coupon has dated out — you'll need to get a new one from the front desk."
inseparable
date out
B2 informal inseparable intransitive
To become outdated, obsolete, or expired due to the passage of time.
In plain English
When something is too old to use or no longer current — like expired food or old technology.
What does "date out" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 informal
Of information, technology, or ideas: to become obsolete or irrelevant with the passage of time.
"A lot of the training manual has dated out — we need to rewrite the whole thing."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To date (become old) and go out (of use or validity).
Actually means
When something is too old to use or no longer current — like expired food or old technology.
Usage tip
Not widely standardised; more common in informal speech and specific professional contexts (e.g. 'the voucher has dated out', 'the software has dated out'). May also be used transitively to mean 'to make something obsolete'. Less common than 'date' or 'become outdated'.
Words that pair with "date out"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
voucher software technology information licence offer
How to conjugate "date out"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
date out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
dates out
he/she/it
Past simple
dated out
yesterday
Past participle
dated out
have + pp
-ing form
dating out
continuous
Hear "date out" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "date out" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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