1 B1 idiomatic informal
To leave a place secretly or without permission, usually to avoid something unpleasant.
"Several students skipped out before the final lecture ended."
inseparable
skip out
B2 informal inseparable intransitive
To leave a place or situation quietly and without permission, often to avoid a duty or obligation.
In plain English
To sneak away from somewhere without telling anyone, especially when you should stay.
What does "skip out" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic informal
To abandon a responsibility or a person, especially without warning (skip out on).
"He skipped out on the rent and left his roommates to cover it."
inseparable
3 B2 idiomatic informal
To leave a restaurant or hotel without paying the bill.
"The couple skipped out on a £200 dinner bill at the restaurant."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To skip (jump lightly) out of a place — suggesting a quick, light departure.
Actually means
To sneak away from somewhere without telling anyone, especially when you should stay.
Usage tip
Common in American and British English. Can refer to leaving a physical place or abandoning a commitment. Often followed by 'on' when describing abandoning a person: 'skip out on someone'.
Words that pair with "skip out"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
bill responsibility class work early on someone
How to conjugate "skip out"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
skip out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
skips out
he/she/it
Past simple
skiped out
yesterday
Past participle
skiped out
have + pp
-ing form
skiping out
continuous
Hear "skip out" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "skip out" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.