Out of pocket Meaning in English

expression

US

OWT-uhv-PAW-kuht

UK

OWT-ov-POK-it

Definition

'Out of pocket' describes expenses someone must pay themselves, not covered by other funds. Informally in the US, it can also mean someone is unavailable or unreachable for a period.

Usage & Nuances

The expense meaning is neutral and used in formal and informal settings, especially for healthcare or travel. In American slang, 'out of pocket' means 'unavailable'—this is informal and not used in the UK. Can be confused with 'out of pocket expenses' (specific costs paid by a person temporarily).

• Spanish: de su bolsillo - fuera de cobertura (informal)
• Portuguese (BR): do próprio bolso - fora do ar (informal)
• Portuguese (PT): do próprio bolso - indisponível (informal)
• Chinese (Simplified): 自掏腰包 - （口语）联系不上
• Chinese (Traditional): 自掏腰包 - （口語）聯繫不上
• Hindi: अपनी जेब से (पैसा देना) - अनुपलब्ध (informal)
• Arabic: من ماله الخاص - خارج التغطية (غير متاح)
• Bengali: নিজের পকেট থেকে - যোগাযোগের বাইরে (অস্থির ভাষা)
• Russian: за свой счёт - вне доступа (разговорное)
• Japanese: 自腹で - 連絡が取れない（口語）
• Vietnamese: tự bỏ tiền túi - không liên lạc được (khẩu ngữ)
• Korean: 자비로 - 잠시 연락이 안 됨 (비격식)
• Turkish: cebinden ödemek - ulaşılamaz olmak (sokak dili)
• Urdu: اپنی جیب سے - دستیاب نہ ہونا (غیر رسمی)
• Indonesian: dari kantong sendiri - tidak dapat dihubungi (bahasa gaul)

Example Sentences

He had to pay for the medicine out of pocket.

basic

Are you going to be out of pocket for this trip?

basic

The company will reimburse any out of pocket expenses.

basic

Sorry, I’ll be out of pocket this weekend but can reply on Monday.

natural

She’s out of pocket for a few days while traveling upstate.

natural

If you need me, I’ll be out of pocket until after lunch.

natural