French word

sortant

Pronunciation

IPA/sɔʁtɑ̃/

Meaning

  • adjectiveoutgoing

Example

Le ministre sortant accordera une interview.

The outgoing minister will give an interview.

Illustration for sortant (outgoing)

More examples

Le président sortant a prononcé un discours d'adieu.

The outgoing president delivered a farewell speech.

Core concept

An officeholder at the threshold of leaving the role while still carrying out official duties.

Common phrases

  • ministre sortant

    outgoing minister

  • président sortant

    outgoing president

  • maire sortant

    outgoing mayor

Similar words

entrant: About to assume a position and begin its duties.
ancien: Having previously held the position but no longer holding it.

Definition in French

S'utilise pour qualifier une personne encore en fonction mais en voie de cesser son mandat, emploi fréquent dans les titres de presse.

Word origin

Sortant is the present participle of sortir, with the regular -ant ending, and its adjectival use describes someone leaving a post.

Usage tips

  • In formal French, sortant agrees with the person described: sortante, sortants, and sortantes are also possible.

Other meanings

  • incumbentadjective

Opposites

  • entrantincomingadjective

Related words

Word lists with this word