Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Outage Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🌩️
Add to dictionary

outage

[ˈaʊ.tɪdʒ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

power failure

An outage refers to a period during which a service or utility is not available. This can include electricity outages, internet outages, or other interruptions in service. Outages can be caused by various factors, including natural disasters, technical failures, or maintenance work. The duration of an outage can vary significantly, from a few minutes to several days. In the context of electricity, a power outage can impact homes and businesses alike, causing inconvenience and sometimes jeopardizing safety. Similarly, an internet outage can disrupt communication and access to online resources, affecting both personal and professional activities.

Synonyms

disruption, failure, interruption.

Examples of usage

  • The power outage lasted for three hours last night.
  • Due to the outage, many residents were left without electricity.
  • The internet outage caused a significant delay in our project deadlines.
Context #2 | Noun

service disruption

In a broader context, an outage can refer to any disruption of service, whether it be in telecommunications, water supply, or transportation. This can affect a single household or an entire city, depending on the scale of the problem. Outages are often communicated to the public by service providers to keep them informed about the status of the services.

Synonyms

breakdown, interrupt, shutdown.

Examples of usage

  • The city experienced a widespread outage of water services yesterday.
  • Telecom companies often issue alerts during system outages.
  • Service outages are typically communicated via social media.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'outage'

The word 'outage' originates from the late 19th century, derived from the Middle English noun 'outen', meaning 'to put out,' and later adapted in the early 20th century to describe interruptions in services, particularly in electricity and telecommunication. Its usage gained traction alongside the development of electrical infrastructure, where outages became a common issue as cities expanded and relied more heavily on interconnected utilities. The phrase 'electric outage' came into popular usage during the mid-20th century, reflecting the growing importance of electricity in daily life. As technology has evolved, the term has expanded to encompass any interruption in service, enhancing its relevance in today’s digital and interconnected world.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,760, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.