count out: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Informal to Neutral (for exclusion meaning); Formal/Technical (for procedural/boxing meanings).
Quick answer
What does “count out” mean?
To exclude someone or something from consideration.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To exclude someone or something from consideration; to formally count to ten in boxing to declare a knockout; to count coins or notes as you give them to someone.
1) To dismiss as irrelevant or unqualified. 2) (Boxing/Combat Sports) The official act of a referee declaring a fighter knocked out. 3) (Finance) To count cash aloud while handing it over. 4) (Politics/Procedural) To determine a quorum is absent in a legislature.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The 'quorum' sense (as in 'The House was counted out') is strongly associated with British parliamentary procedure. In the US, 'count out cash' is more common than the UK equivalent 'count out change'.
Connotations
UK: Strong parliamentary/procedural connotation. US: Slightly stronger boxing/financial connotations.
Frequency
Overall frequency is similar. The procedural 'quorum' sense is significantly more frequent in UK political contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “count out” in a Sentence
[NP] count [NP] out (of [NP])[NP] be counted out[NP] count out [NUM] [NP] (e.g., count out twenty pounds)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “count out” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The MP feared the committee would be counted out before the crucial vote.
- He carefully counted out fifty pounds in fivers.
American English
- The challenger was counted out in the seventh round.
- The cashier counted out my change very slowly.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
"We have to count out that supplier due to their unreliable delivery record."
Academic
"The study counted out participants who did not meet the baseline criteria."
Everyday
"If you're going hiking in this weather, you can count me out!"
Technical
"The referee began to count out the fallen boxer."
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “count out”
- *I was counted out from the team. (Correct: I was counted out *of* the team.)
- Confusing 'count out' (exclude) with 'count on' (rely on).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, for the 'exclude' meaning. You can say 'Count me out' or 'Count out the weak candidates'. For boxing and cash meanings, it's generally not separated (e.g., 'He was counted out', not 'He was counted ten out').
They are largely synonymous for exclusion. 'Rule out' often implies a more formal or decisive exclusion based on criteria, while 'count out' can be more informal or personal ('Count me out of your scheme').
Yes, frequently. E.g., 'She was counted out of the project,' 'The boxer was counted out.'
It's a defiant expression meaning 'Don't assume I am defeated or no longer a contender.' It asserts the speaker's continued participation or potential to succeed.
To exclude someone or something from consideration.
Count out is usually informal to neutral (for exclusion meaning); formal/technical (for procedural/boxing meanings). in register.
Count out: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkaʊnt ˈaʊt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkaʊnt ˈaʊt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Don't count me out! (expression of defiance/persistence)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a boxing referee COUNTing loudly, and when he reaches ten, the boxer is OUT. To be 'counted out' is to be officially excluded.
Conceptual Metaphor
INCLUSION IS BEING COUNTED; EXCLUSION IS BEING COUNTED OUT.
Practice
Quiz
In which context does 'count out' NOT typically apply?