Outgrown

Outgrown is the past participle of the verb outgrow and is also used as an adjective. It describes something that has become too large or inadequate for its user due to growth or development, or something that has surpassed a former stage, capacity, or interest. In everyday usage, it commonly modifies clothing, toys, or equipment: “She outgrew her jeans” or “The toy has been outgrown.” It can also describe people, organizations, or ideas that have moved beyond a previous phase: “The startup has outgrown its tiny office.” In such contexts, outgrown implies natural progression rather than mere aging.

Origin and form: The verb outgrow is formed from the prefix out- plus grow. It is attested in Early Modern English, with outgrew as the simple past and outgrown as the past participle. The participle is widely used in perfect tenses and as an adjective.

Usage notes: Outgrown is typically used with a direct object or with a figurative sense of a stage or interest. It can appear in phrases such as “has outgrown” or in reference to clothing, gear, or routines. Its opposite sense is often conveyed by grow into (for example, a child growing into clothes) or by indicating continuation at the same level, depending on context.

See also: outgrow, grow into, maturation, development, childhood.