Outperforming: meaning, definitions and examples

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outperforming

 

[ ˌaʊt.pΙ™rˈfɔːrmΙͺΕ‹ ]

Verb
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?

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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?

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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.

Etymology

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.

See also: outperform, perform, performability, performable, performance, performances, performer, performers, performing, underperformance, underperformer.

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.