outstanding

adjective

out·​stand·​ing au̇t-ˈstan-diŋ How to pronounce outstanding (audio)
ˈau̇t-ˌstan-
1
: standing out : projecting
stood on an outstanding rock
2
a
: unpaid
left several bills outstanding
b
: continuing to exist : unresolved
a long outstanding problem in astronomy
was arrested on … an outstanding warrant on a domestic violence chargeKathy Hogan
c
of securities : publicly issued and sold
has 20,000 shares outstanding
3
a
: standing out from a group : conspicuous
There are some outstanding exceptions to this rule.
b
: marked by eminence and distinction
an outstanding student
an outstanding achievement
outstandingly
au̇t-ˈstan-diŋ-lē How to pronounce outstanding (audio)
ˈau̇t-ˌstan-
adverb
Choose the Right Synonym for outstanding

noticeable, remarkable, prominent, outstanding, conspicuous, salient, striking mean attracting notice or attention.

noticeable applies to something unlikely to escape observation.

a piano recital with no noticeable errors

remarkable applies to something so extraordinary or exceptional as to invite comment.

a film of remarkable intelligence and wit

prominent applies to something commanding notice by standing out from its surroundings or background.

a doctor who occupies a prominent position in the town

outstanding applies to something that rises above and excels others of the same kind.

honored for her outstanding contributions to science

conspicuous applies to something that is obvious and unavoidable to the sight or mind.

conspicuous bureaucratic waste

salient applies to something of significance that merits the attention given it.

the salient points of the speech

striking applies to something that impresses itself powerfully and deeply upon the observer's mind or vision.

the region's striking poverty

Examples of outstanding in a Sentence

Tonight we will honor the school's most outstanding students. You did an outstanding job on the project. the outstanding quality of your work a wine that is outstanding in quality As a president, he was outstanding in many ways. Her novels are outstanding for their complex characters and interesting plots. The painting is an outstanding example of the artist's style. Outstanding among the menu items were the tomato soup and the swordfish. She had several outstanding parking tickets in her car. He left a balance of 50 dollars outstanding on his account.
Recent Examples on the Web In his final year at Arkansas in 2015, Henry received the John Mackey Award as the most outstanding tight end in Division I college football. Mike Harley, arkansasonline.com, 2 July 2024 The period details are spot-on, and Dastmalchian is outstanding as a late-night host who will do anything to keep his career going. Bill Goodykoontz, The Arizona Republic, 1 July 2024 Vice President Kamala Harris did an outstanding job cleaning up after the disastrous debate in which the president fell on his sword. Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 1 July 2024 Arsenal sued Side and SEAM last week after Side stopped making payments on June 21 and defaulted, according to the lawsuit filed in New York, which demands about $190,000 to cover the outstanding debt and fees. Matt Hamilton, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for outstanding 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'outstanding.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of outstanding was in 1611

Dictionary Entries Near outstanding

Cite this Entry

“Outstanding.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/outstanding. Accessed 7 Jul. 2024.

Kids Definition

outstanding

adjective
out·​stand·​ing -ˈstan-diŋ How to pronounce outstanding (audio)
1
: sticking out : projecting
2
a
: not yet paid : unpaid
outstanding bills
b
: continuing in being : unresolved
problems outstanding
3
: attracting notice especially because of excellence
an outstanding scholar
outstandingly adverb

Legal Definition

outstanding

adjective
out·​stand·​ing
1
: not paid
had several outstanding debts
2
: publicly issued and sold
a million shares outstanding

More from Merriam-Webster on outstanding

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