Outmatched Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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outmatched
[aสtหmatสt ]
Definition
in competition
Defeated by someone or something who is much better or more skilled.
Synonyms
outclassed, outplayed, overpowered, overwhelmed.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| outmatched |
Use when someone or something is clearly superior in a skill, ability, or strength compared to another.
|
| outclassed |
This term is used when someone or something is significantly better than another in quality, skill, or performance, often in a way that seems effortless.
|
| outplayed |
Typically used in competitive contexts, particularly sports or games, where one competitor skillfully performs better than the other.
|
| overpowered |
Best for situations where someone or something uses dominant force or strength to defeat another. Often carries a sense of unfairness or overwhelming force.
|
| overwhelmed |
Use when someone feels unable to cope or handle a situation, often due to too many tasks, emotions, or forces acting upon them.
|
Examples of usage
- He was completely outmatched by his opponent in the chess tournament.
- The team was outmatched by their rivals in the basketball game.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Sports
- In competitive sports, being outmatched refers to a team or player facing an opponent with better skills or performance.
- Often leads to mismatches in games, where one side is heavily favored to win.
- Historical sporting events have shown that underdog teams can occasionally surprise the favorites, highlighting the unpredictability of competition.
Literature
- In many classic stories, the theme of being outmatched creates tension and drama, pushing characters to their limits.
- Authors use this concept to illustrate character growth, often showing how they adapt or struggle when faced with stronger adversaries.
- Classic tales often feature a protagonist overcoming obstacles after being outmatched initially, resonating with audiences.
Psychology
- Feeling outmatched can invoke stress, leading to performance anxiety in competitive situations.
- Studies show that individuals who perceive themselves as outmatched are less likely to engage in the activity, affecting their learning experiences.
- Resilience can be built through experiences of being outmatched, encouraging personal growth and improvement.
Film and Pop Culture
- Many movies have plots revolving around characters overcoming being outmatched, creating inspiring narratives, like 'Rocky' or 'The Karate Kid.'
- This theme often highlights underdog stories that resonate with audiences, making them root for the less favored character.
- Television series often depict characters learning to cope with being outmatched in skills or resources, leading to personal development.
Origin of 'outmatched'
Main points about word origin
- The word combines 'out,' suggesting superiority, with 'matched,' meaning someone is equal or comparable.
- Its usage dates back to the 19th century, primarily in contexts like sports or competitions.
- An earlier form, written as 'out-match,' appeared in English literature, indicating a clear win against competition.
The word 'outmatched' originated from the combination of 'out' and 'matched', indicating a situation where one side is clearly superior or more skilled than the other. The term is commonly used in sports, games, and competitive scenarios to describe a situation where one participant is clearly at a disadvantage due to the vast difference in skill or ability.
See also: match, matched, matching, matchless, matchstick, mismatched, outmatch, outmatchable, unmatched.