verb
outsource
OWT-sawss
Outsource (verb) means to pay an outside company or individual to do work that your own organisation would otherwise do itself, such as IT support, payroll, manufacturing or customer service. Example: “The bank outsourced its call centres to cut costs.”
verb
1
To pay an outside company or individual to do work that your own organisation would otherwise do itself, such as IT support, payroll, manufacturing or customer service.
"The bank outsourced its call centres to cut costs."
"We outsource payroll to a specialist firm."
2
informal In casual use, to get someone else to handle a personal task you would rather not do.
"I've outsourced Christmas shopping to my sister this year."
How to use outsource
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo pay another company to do work instead of doing it yourself.
When to use it
Business standard, now also used jokingly about chores.
Memory tip
The noun is outsourcing; the thing bought is an outsourced service.
Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
Common pairings
outsource production
outsourced IT
outsourcing contract
outsource to a third party
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The bank _____ its call centres to cut costs.
Etymology
A compound of out- and source, on the model of sourcing goods or services from outside the organisation.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for outsource
See all rhymes for outsource →Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between outsourcing and offshoring?
Outsourcing is about who does the work — an external supplier rather than your own staff. Offshoring is about where it is done — another country. You can outsource to a firm down the road, or offshore to your own subsidiary abroad; many arrangements are both at once.
Why do companies outsource?
Usually to cut cost, to convert fixed staffing into flexible contracts, or to buy expertise they do not have internally. The trade-offs are reduced control, slower response and the risk of losing knowledge that never comes back.
Is it outsource or out-source?
Outsource, one word, is standard in current usage. The hyphenated form appears only in older texts.
What is the meaning of outsource?
"outsource" (verb) means to pay an outside company or individual to do work that your own organisation would otherwise do itself, such as IT support, payroll, manufacturing or customer service.
