out-of-pocket
|out-of-pock-et|
🇺🇸
/ˌaʊt əv ˈpɑːkɪt/
🇬🇧
/ˌaʊt əv ˈpɒkɪt/
direct personal expense
Etymology
'out-of-pocket' originates from the phrase 'out of pocket,' where 'out' meant 'outside' and 'pocket' referred to a small bag or pouch for carrying money.
The phrase 'out of pocket' was used in the 17th century to describe expenses paid directly from one's own funds.
Initially, it meant 'expenses paid directly,' but it has also evolved to mean 'unreachable' in informal contexts.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
referring to expenses that are paid directly by an individual, rather than being covered by insurance or another party.
The out-of-pocket costs for the surgery were quite high.
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Adjective 2
temporarily unavailable or unreachable, often used in informal contexts.
I'll be out-of-pocket for the next few hours, so please leave a message.
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Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:40