top out

top out — phrasal verb

  • top outbase form
  • tops out3rd person singular
  • topping out-ing form
  • topped outpast simple

1. to reach a maximum point and stop increasing — used when a measurable quantity s

1.phrasal verbintransitiveB2
Definition

to reach a maximum point and stop increasing — used when a measurable quantity such as a price, salary, speed, or temperature stops rising after a period of growth

Example

Gabriel's salary as a high-school teacher topped out at $58,000 after twelve years.

top out at + (salary amount)

The bidding for the antique vase topped out at €12,000, well below the owner's expectations.

top out at + (price/amount in auction context)

Common collocations
  • top out at + (amount/number)
Synonyms
  • peak

    similar meaning but used more generally for reaching a high point; 'top out' specifically implies a limit was reached

  • level off

    suggests stabilising rather than reaching a hard maximum; less final than 'top out'

  • max out

    more informal; common in everyday speech for reaching a limit on credit cards, capacity, etc.

Antonyms
  • bottom out

    opposite — to reach the lowest point and stop falling

Grammar Patterns

top out at + (amount/number)

Usage Note

Typically intransitive and followed by at + a number or amount. Frequently used in financial, economic, or technical contexts to describe a ceiling on growth.

Common Mistakes

The price topped out $50.
The price topped out at $50.
'at' is required before the number.

Etymology

Old EnglishEnglishAmerican English

Combines 'top' (from Old English 'topp', meaning highest point) with 'out' (emphasising reaching the end or limit). The phrasal verb emerged in American English in the mid-20th century, likely from building construction (to 'top out' a building = to complete the highest structure) and later extended to prices, speeds, and other measurable quantities.