Browse all

top out

B2 neutral inseparable intransitive

To reach a maximum level, value, or point and stop rising.

In plain English

To get as high as something can go and then stop going higher.

What does "top out" mean?

3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.

1 B2 idiomatic neutral

To reach the highest point or maximum value, after which no further increase occurs.

"House prices in the city topped out in early 2022 before falling sharply."

Inflation topped out at around 11% before beginning its slow decline.

inseparable
2 B2 idiomatic neutral

To reach the highest point in one's career, salary, or personal development.

"He felt he had topped out at middle management and decided to start his own company."

inseparable
3 C1 neutral

(Construction) To complete the highest structural point of a building, often marked by a ceremony.

"Workers gathered on the roof to celebrate as the skyscraper topped out after three years of construction."

inseparable

Literal vs figurative

Words literally mean

To reach the very top of something.

Actually means

To get as high as something can go and then stop going higher.

Usage tip

Commonly used in finance, economics, real estate, and sports contexts to describe prices, salaries, or performance reaching a ceiling. Also used in construction to refer to the completion of a building's highest structural point (topping out ceremony).

Words that pair with "top out"

Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.

price salary growth speed temperature market

How to conjugate "top out"

The five tense forms you'll use most often.

Base
top out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
tops out
he/she/it
Past simple
toped out
yesterday
Past participle
toped out
have + pp
-ing form
toping out
continuous

Hear "top out" in the wild

Listen to native speakers using "top out" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.

Other ways to say "top out"

Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.

cap out level off max out peak plateau reach a ceiling

Keep exploring

Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.