Outsold Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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outsold

[aʊtˈsoʊld ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

selling comparison

Outsold is the past tense of the verb 'outsell', which means to sell more of a product than another seller or competitor. This term is often used in marketing and sales contexts to indicate superior performance in sales figures. It implies a competitive advantage in sales.

Synonyms

exceeded, outperformed, surpassed.

Examples of usage

  • Last year, our brand outsold all competitors.
  • The new model outsold the previous version within weeks.
  • In the holiday season, this toy outsold every other item in the store.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Business

  • In competitive markets, companies strive to outsell their rivals by marketing better or having sturdier products.
  • Sales strategies can vary widely, from personal interactions to digital advertising, all aimed at outselling competitors.

Pop Culture

  • In music, when an artist's album outsells another, it often indicates greater popularity or engagement with listeners.
  • Blockbuster movies are often analyzed based on how many tickets they outsell, impacting future projects in the film industry.

Technology

  • In the tech world, smartphone brands frequently report on sales figures, with consumers eager to see who has outsold whom in a given quarter.
  • Gaming consoles often face similar scrutiny, with sales numbers showcasing which systems outsold the competition.

Psychology

  • The drive to outsell can lead to increased motivation and performance; competition often pushes individuals and teams to excel.
  • Consumers sometimes feel a sense of belonging when supporting brands that outsell others, impacting their buying choices.

Origin of 'outsold'

Main points about word origin

  • The term combines 'out' meaning to surpass and 'sold', the past tense of 'sell', rooted in Old English 'sellan'.
  • The use of 'out-' as a prefix indicates a sense of being superior or greater in quantity or ability.

The term 'outsell' is derived from the combination of the prefix 'out-' meaning 'beyond or more than', and the verb 'sell', which originates from Old English 'sellan', meaning 'to give, to hand over'. The suffix '-ed' indicates the past tense. 'Outsell' emerged in the early 20th century as a term associated with commerce, reflecting the competitive nature of the market. Over time, it has been adopted in various industries, particularly in retail and sales, as a measure of success against competition. The increasing focus on metrics and sales performance has solidified the term's place in business vernacular.