outstrip
C1Formal to neutral; common in business, economic, sports, and analytical contexts.
Definition
Meaning
To surpass or exceed someone or something in performance, speed, amount, or achievement.
In a broader metaphorical sense, it can mean to exceed expectations, capabilities, or growth to the point where the original is left behind or becomes less relevant.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often implies a competitive or comparative context where one entity moves ahead of another. Can describe abstract growth (e.g., demand outstripping supply) as well as literal speed. Carries a nuance of dynamic progress.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical in meaning and frequency. Minor differences may appear in typical collocates within regional news or business reporting.
Connotations
Neutral to slightly formal in both varieties. No significant difference in connotation.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in UK business/financial journalism, but the difference is marginal.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
NP outstrip NP (in NP)NP be outstripped by NPNP outstrip NP by (amount/percentage)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No specific idioms; the verb itself is used in figurative expressions]”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used to describe market performance, sales growth, or competitor analysis.
Academic
Used in economics, sociology, and environmental studies to discuss rates of change or inequality.
Everyday
Less common, but possible in discussions about sports, personal achievements, or technology.
Technical
Used in data analysis, project management, and forecasting reports.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The new electric model's sales quickly outstripped those of the petrol version.
- Inflation has outstripped wage rises for the third consecutive quarter.
American English
- The startup's user growth outstripped all its competitors last year.
- Local demand for housing is outstripping supply, pushing prices up.
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverbial form.]
American English
- [No standard adverbial form.]
adjective
British English
- [Not standard; 'outstripping' can function as a participial adjective, e.g., 'The outstripping competitor caused concern.']
American English
- [Not standard; see British note.]
Examples
By CEFR Level
- [Not typically introduced at this level.]
- Her test scores outstripped the class average.
- The rabbit outstripped the tortoise in the race.
- The company's research budget now outstrips that of the university.
- Demand for the new phone is outstripping production capacity.
- China's economic growth has consistently outstripped that of most developed nations.
- The rate of technological change threatens to outstrip our ethical frameworks.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a runner in a **strip**ed jersey who runs **out** ahead of everyone else, thus OUT-STRIPping the competition.
Conceptual Metaphor
COMPETITION IS A RACE / GROWTH IS MOVING FORWARD.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'outstrip' as 'to undress' (which would be 'раздевать'). The Russian equivalent 'опережать' or 'превосходить' captures the core meaning.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'overstrip' (incorrect). Using it without a clear point of comparison (e.g., 'The demand outstripped' is incomplete).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'outstrip' LEAST appropriate?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, while its origin relates to speed, it is now most commonly used for any form of surpassing, especially in amount, rate, or degree (e.g., demand outstripping supply).
Yes. It can be positive (outstripping expectations) or negative (costs outstripping benefits). The context defines the evaluation.
'Outstrip' often implies a dynamic, competitive context where one entity moves ahead of another. 'Exceed' is broader and can refer simply to going beyond a limit or number without the competitive nuance.
It is common in written English, particularly in journalism, business, and academic reports, but less frequent in casual spoken conversation.