Outperforming Meaning: Definition and Examples

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outperforming

[ˌaʊt.pərˈfɔːrmɪŋ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

in business

To perform better than someone or something else, especially in terms of financial results or success.

Synonyms

excel, outdo, outshine, surpass.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
outperforming	When you want to indicate that someone or something is achieving higher performance than others in a measurable way. The new software is outperforming its competitors significantly. Our sales team is outperforming every other team in the region.
excel	When you want to highlight someone's exceptional talent or ability in a particular area. She tends to excel in mathematics and science. He has always excelled in his career as a musician.
surpass	When you want to convey that someone or something has exceeded a set standard or expectation. Her achievements in the field of biology surpass all expectations. The athlete's performance managed to surpass even the highest predictions.
outshine	When you want to emphasize that someone or something is much more brilliant or impressive than others, often suggesting a significant difference. The lead actor managed to outshine the entire cast with his performance. Her talents in painting outshine those of all her peers.
outdo	When you want to suggest that someone or something has performed better than another, often in a competitive manner. John managed to outdo all his colleagues in the recent project. She always tries to outdo her own records.

Examples of usage

Our company has been outperforming our competitors for the past three years.
Despite the challenging market conditions, the stock has been outperforming expectations.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

in sports

To perform better than an opponent in a sports competition.

Synonyms

outclass, outplay, outrun, outstrip.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
outperforming	Appropriate in professional, academic, or performance-related settings to describe someone doing better than others in a measurable way. Her sales numbers show she's outperforming everyone else on the team. The new engine is outperforming all previous models.
outrun	Best used when discussing speed, e.g., races or any situation involving running or moving faster than something or someone else. He managed to outrun the other competitors to win the race. The rabbit outran the fox and escaped into the forest.
outplay	Used in competitive situations, often relating to sports or games, to describe someone who is playing much better than their opponent. The home team managed to outplay their rivals with an outstanding strategy. She outplayed her opponent in chess with a series of brilliant moves.
outclass	Suitable when comparing the quality or skill level, indicating someone or something is significantly better than others, often in a way that makes the comparison seem unfair or extremely one-sided. The champion boxer completely outclassed his opponent in every round. The restaurant’s food and service outclass all others in the city.
outstrip	Appropriate for indicating surpassing others in terms of quantity, degree, or speed, often implying ongoing progress or improvement. Technological advancements continue to outstrip our expectations. The company’s growth rate outstripped all its competitors.

Examples of usage

The young athlete has been outperforming seasoned players in the tournament.
She outperformed her personal best in the final race.

Interesting Facts

Business

In financial terms, companies are said to be outperforming when they achieve better results than their competitors or the market average.
Analysts often measure the performance of stocks against indices to see which investments are outpacing the market.
Performance metrics in businesses often include sales figures, productivity levels, and customer satisfaction rates.

Psychology

Research shows that people tend to outperform others in tasks when they are highly motivated or passionate about their work.
The 'Matthew Effect' in psychology suggests that those who initially perform well often receive more opportunities, leading to even better future performances.
Confidence can significantly influence performance levels; those who believe they will succeed are more likely to outperform others.

Sports

Athletes often strive to outperform their personal bests, pushing boundaries in training and competitions.
In competitive sports, outperforming rivals is crucial for winning titles and earning endorsements.
Statistics in sports frequently compare the performances of players, teams, and even coaches to determine effectiveness.

Education

Students who engage in active learning strategies often outperform their peers in standardized tests.
Group projects can encourage collaboration and motivate individuals to outperform their capabilities within a team setting.
Educational systems sometimes rank schools based on the performance of their students, influencing public perception and funding.

Origin of 'outperforming'

Main points about word origin

The word combines 'out-' meaning 'exceeding' and 'perform' which comes from the Latin 'performare', meaning 'to carry out'.
The use of the prefix 'out-' often signifies surpassing or going beyond a standard.
The modern use of 'outperform' can be traced back to business and competitive contexts in the late 20th century.

The word 'outperform' originated in the mid-19th century, combining 'out' and 'perform'. It gained popularity in business and sports contexts, emphasizing the act of surpassing others in performance or achievement.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,643, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.

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36640 commiserating
36641 nasturtium
36642 galvanising
36643 outperforming
36644 bogeyman
36645 slating
36646 sirocco
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