adj

outstanding

owt-STAN-dihng

adj

Exceptionally good; far better than average.

"She gave an outstanding performance in the final."

"The restaurant is known for its outstanding service."

Not yet paid, resolved, or dealt with.

"He still has $500 in outstanding debt."

"There are a few outstanding issues we still need to sort out."

How to Use Outstanding

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishEither remarkably good, or (for money or issues) still unpaid or unresolved.

Common mistake

Don't confuse the "unpaid" sense with the "excellent" sense — context makes it clear, but they're very different meanings.

Common pairings

outstanding balance outstanding performance outstanding issue

more outstanding comparative, most outstanding superlative

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Can you complete this real example?

She gave an _____ performance in the final.

landing handing sanding standing branding demanding upstanding commanding understanding grandstanding notwithstanding misunderstanding