outsider

noun

out·​sid·​er ˌau̇t-ˈsī-dər 

ˈau̇t-ˌsī-

1

: a person who does not belong to a particular group

2

chiefly British : a contender not expected to win

outsiderness noun

Synonyms

• foreigner
• nonnative
• outlander
• stranger

Examples of outsider in a Sentence

To outsiders, the ritual may seem strange.

She felt like an outsider in her new school.

An outsider defeated the champion!

She was a rank outsider who managed to win.

Recent Examples on the Web

The Thunder up until then had been complaining about a lack of respect toward them from outsiders. —Joe Vardon, The Athletic, 14 Dec. 2024

After the seventh or eighth verse, though, that group of outsiders whom the family won’t let in comes to feel like the audience, too. —Daniel D'addario, Variety, 13 Dec. 2024

When supply chain chaos collided with booming demand for consumer electronics during the pandemic, the resulting chip shortage exposed the big risks of relying on outsiders for such a critical technology. —Katie Tarasov, CNBC, 13 Dec. 2024

For metro Detroiters, the Michelin guide may offer an interesting glimpse into the region’s perception by outsiders. —Brian McCollum, Detroit Free Press, 11 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1800, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

outsider

noun

out·​sid·​er (ˈ)au̇t-ˈsīd-ər 

: a person who does not belong to a particular group