outright

American  

[out-rahyt, out-rahyt, -rahyt] / ˈaʊtˌraɪt, ˈaʊtˈraɪt, -ˌraɪt /

adjective

1. complete or total.

   an outright loss.

2. downright or unqualified.

   an outright refusal.

3. without further payments due, restrictions, or qualifications.

   an outright sale of the car.

4. Archaic. directed straight out or on.

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adverb

1. completely; entirely.

   Synonyms:

   thoroughly, altogether, utterly, downright

2. without restraint, reserve, or concealment; openly.

   Tell me outright what's bothering you.

3. at once; instantly.

   to be killed outright.

4. without further payments due, restrictions, or qualifications.

   to own the house outright.

5. Archaic. straight out or ahead; directly onward.

outright British  

adjective

1. without qualifications or limitations

   outright ownership

2. complete; total

   an outright lie

3. straightforward; direct

   an outright manner

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adverb

1. without restrictions

   buy outright

2. without reservation or concealment

   ask outright

3. instantly

   he was killed outright

4. obsolete straight ahead or out

Other Word Forms

• outrightness noun

Etymology

Origin of outright

Middle English word dating back to 1250–1300; out, right

Example Sentences

“Funds will be paid outright to the individual beneficiary.”

From MarketWatch

Europe has so far avoided outright shortages, supported by higher inventories and access to Atlantic Basin supply.

From Barron's

“The current oil risk premium is being driven more by transport disruption than outright supply loss,” the senior market analyst adds.

From The Wall Street Journal

But apparently, he needed to say it outright: “You are the new Usher of Deadwood.”

From Literature

Instead, they have signaled the Fed is likely to leave rates where they are until either the labor market shows signs of outright deterioration or inflation declines.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• absolute
• downright
• pure
• unequivocal
• unmitigated
• utter
• wholesale