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Outstanding: meaning, definitions and examples

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outstanding

 

[aʊtˈstændɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

performance evaluation

Exceptionally good; distinguished or excellent. Standing out from others in quality or accomplishment.

Synonyms

excellent, exceptional, remarkable, superb.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
outstanding

Used to describe something that stands out as superior or notable among others. Commonly used in professional or academic settings to highlight achievement.

  • Her performance in the project was outstanding.
  • He received an award for his outstanding work.
excellent

Used to describe something of very high quality or standard. It is versatile and can be used in both formal and informal settings.

  • She provided excellent customer service.
  • The meal was excellent.
remarkable

Used to describe something that is worthy of attention due to being extraordinary or unusual. Often highlights something surprising or noteworthy.

  • Her recovery after the accident was remarkable.
  • The progress he made in just a year is remarkable.
exceptional

Refers to something that is unusually good or different from the norm. It is often used to highlight unique or rare qualities.

  • His talent for music is exceptional.
  • The company delivered exceptional results this quarter.
superb

Implies a very high quality, often used in contexts where something is seen as luxurious or of premium standard. Typically used in positive settings.

  • The concert was absolutely superb.
  • She has a superb taste in fashion.

Examples of usage

  • The employee received an outstanding performance review for exceeding all expectations.
  • The outstanding athlete won multiple gold medals at the Olympic Games.
Context #2 | Adjective

debt or payment

Not paid; unsettled. Remaining unpaid or unresolved.

Synonyms

pending, unpaid, unresolved, unsettled.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
outstanding

Often used to describe an amount of money or a task that remains to be paid or completed.

  • He has an outstanding balance on his credit card
  • There are a few outstanding issues we need to discuss
unpaid

Describes something (usually related to money, like a bill or work) that hasn't been paid yet, can be seen negatively.

  • The company still has unpaid invoices
  • He did a lot of unpaid overtime last month
unsettled

Refers to a situation or matter that is not yet resolved, sometimes carrying a negative connotation of instability.

  • The terms of the agreement are still unsettled
  • She felt unsettled after the sudden change in plans
unresolved

Used for issues, conflicts, or problems that are still open and have not been settled or solved.

  • There are several unresolved questions in the project
  • The conflict remains unresolved
pending

Used to describe something that is awaiting a decision or settlement, neutral tone.

  • Your application is pending approval
  • The court case is still pending

Examples of usage

  • There are still outstanding bills that need to be paid.
  • The outstanding balance on the loan must be cleared by the end of the month.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The term 'outstanding' originated in the late 16th century from the word 'stand', combined with 'out' to convey something that is firmly established.
  • In Old English, 'standan' meant 'to stand', and when used with 'out', it implies something that stands out from the rest.
  • The word has evolved to describe qualities that are particularly noteworthy since the early 20th century.

Education

  • In academic settings, 'outstanding' is often used to denote students who achieve high grades or show exceptional skills, motivating others to strive for excellence.
  • Outstanding performance in a subject can lead to special awards – a tangible recognition of effort and ability.
  • Teachers may use the term to encourage students, emphasizing that hard work can lead to exceptional results.

Pop Culture

  • Popular music often celebrates 'outstanding' qualities in individuals, relating them to charisma or talent, illustrating society's admiration for unique talents.
  • In films, characters described as 'outstanding' often represent the hero archetype, showcasing courage and integrity, which captivates audiences.
  • Outstanding athletes are highlighted in sports media, reinforcing the idea that exceptional skill can garner fame and admiration.

Psychology

  • People often remember 'outstanding' experiences more vividly due to the psychological principle of attention, which highlights memorable moments over commonplace events.
  • The phenomenon of the 'halo effect' suggests that we associate outstanding performance in one area with positive attributes in others, influencing our perceptions.
  • Individuals often strive to be outstanding to boost self-esteem and social status, seeking validation from peers in various aspects of life.

Translations

Translations of the word "outstanding" in other languages:

🇵🇹 notável

🇮🇳 असाधारण

🇩🇪 hervorragend

🇮🇩 luar biasa

🇺🇦 видатний

🇵🇱 wybitny

🇯🇵 優れた (すぐれた)

🇫🇷 remarquable

🇪🇸 sobresaliente

🇹🇷 olağanüstü

🇰🇷 뛰어난

🇸🇦 رائع

🇨🇿 vynikající

🇸🇰 vynikajúci

🇨🇳 杰出的 (杰出的)

🇸🇮 izjemen

🇮🇸 framúrskarandi

🇰🇿 ерекше

🇬🇪 გამორჩეული

🇦🇿 görkəmli

🇲🇽 sobresaliente