outstanding
owt-STAN-dihng
Outstanding (adj) means Exceptionally good; far better than average. Example: “She gave an outstanding performance in the final.”
adj
1
Exceptionally good; far better than average.
"She gave an outstanding performance in the final."
"The restaurant is known for its outstanding service."
"The chef's dessert was outstanding, and everyone asked for the recipe."
2
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."
"Please settle all outstanding invoices before the end of the month."
How to use outstanding
Learner’s notesIn 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
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like outstanding.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Comparative
- more outstanding
- Superlative
- most outstanding
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She gave an _____ performance in the final.
Etymology
Came from outstand, and can be analysed as either out- plus standing, or outstand plus -ing.
Synonyms
View more →
excellent
exceptional
superb
remarkable
first-rate
brilliant
top-notch
spectacular
great
prominent
owing
salient
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for outstanding
landing
handing
sanding
standing
branding
demanding
upstanding
commanding
understanding
grandstanding
notwithstanding
misunderstanding
See all rhymes for outstanding →
Frequently asked questions
What does “outstanding” mean?
The word “outstanding” means exceptionally good; far better than average. In plain terms, either remarkably good, or (for money or issues) still unpaid or unresolved.
How do you pronounce “outstanding”?
“Outstanding” is pronounced owt-STAN-dihng (/ˌaʊtˈstæn.dɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “outstanding” in a sentence?
Here is “outstanding” used in a sentence: “She gave an outstanding performance in the final.”
What part of speech is “outstanding”?
“Outstanding” is an adjective.
Is “outstanding” a common word?
“Outstanding” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “outstanding” have?
“Outstanding” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: exceptionally good; far better than average.
What is the difference between outstanding and excellent?
Both are strong compliments, but 'outstanding' is the stronger of the two. 'Excellent' means very good, of high quality. 'Outstanding' literally means standing out from the crowd — so far above average that it draws attention. An excellent performance is impressive; an outstanding one is exceptional and memorable.
Does outstanding have another meaning?
Yes. Besides meaning exceptionally good, 'outstanding' can describe something not yet settled or completed — an outstanding debt, an outstanding invoice, or outstanding work. These are two distinct senses, so context matters: praise ('an outstanding student') versus something unresolved ('an outstanding balance'). Only the tone and subject tell them apart.
Is outstanding a positive word?
In its 'exceptionally good' sense, yes — it's one of the highest forms of praise, stronger than 'great' or 'very good.' It's common in reviews, references, and awards. Note the separate financial sense (an outstanding bill) is neutral, describing something unpaid rather than passing any judgment on quality.
What is an example of outstanding in a sentence?
'She gave an outstanding performance,' or 'The team did an outstanding job.' It's often paired with achievement or effort: 'outstanding results,' 'an outstanding contribution.' Used this way, it signals that something is not merely good but clearly superior to everything around it.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include outstanding:
