Skip to main content

out of pocket — Paid for with one's own money, especially in a situation where reimbursement might be expected

Part of speech: ADJECTIVE

Definition: Paid for with one's own money, especially in a situation where reimbursement might be expected

Pronunciation (IPA): /aʊt əv ˈpɑːkɪt/

Example Sentences

  • My friend borrowed my umbrella and lost it, so I had to buy a new one out of pocket—thanks a lot!
  • Since the school trip wasn't reimbursed, all the snacks I bought were out-of-pocket expenses.
  • He accidentally sat on his phone and had to pay $300 out of pocket to fix the screen.

out of pocket

ADJECTIVE

[/aʊt əv ˈpɑːkɪt/]

Paid for with one's own money, especially in a situation where reimbursement might be expected

He paid out of pocket for the team's dinner when the company card failed.
💡 Concept

He paid out of pocket for the team's dinner when the company card failed.

Got the picture? Now let's practice.

🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/aʊt əv ˈpɑːkɪt/
🇬🇧 UK/aʊt əv ˈpɒkɪt/

🌳Etymology

Origin

Originated in 19th-century English to describe a loss of money, literally money going 'out of one's pocket.'

Breakdown

out (outside/away) + of (belonging to) + pocket (a small money-holding container)

🎵Rhyme

rocket
pocket
docket

🔗Collocations

out-of-pocket expenses
pay out of pocket
out-of-pocket cost
be out of pocket
cover out-of-pocket expenses
significant out-of-pocket amount

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

“My friend borrowed my umbrella and lost it, so I had to buy a new one out of pocket—thanks a lot!”

“Since the school trip wasn't reimbursed, all the snacks I bought were out-of-pocket expenses.”

😄 Fun example

“He accidentally sat on his phone and had to pay $300 out of pocket to fix the screen.”

“I'll be out of pocket this afternoon, so please email me instead of calling.”

“Without insurance, medical bills can leave you seriously out of pocket.”

📚Related Words

Want to master 27,000+ words?

Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.