outsource

verb

out·​source ˈau̇t-ˌsȯrs 

outsourced; outsourcing; outsources

transitive + intransitive

: to procure (something, such as some goods or services needed by a business or organization) from outside sources and especially from foreign or nonunion suppliers : to contract for work, jobs, etc., to be done by outside or foreign workers

decided to outsource some back-office operations

Some services and aspects of production were outsourced to cut costs.

Firms outsource to capitalize on their strengths while minimizing business activities that are not core functions.

—John K. Borchardt

compare insource

Examples of outsource in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Making The Right Choice Deciding whether to hire an EA or to outsource EA support requires aligning your choice with your unique business needs, goals and budget constraints. —Kenzie Biggins, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025

And so making Beijing happy is going to accrue to the financial benefit of Elon Musk and many billionaires who outsource work to China. —ABC News, 9 Feb. 2025

Most outsource the process to neighboring countries such as Germany. —Colette Davidson, The Christian Science Monitor, 5 Feb. 2025

Simplified compliance frameworks reduce administrative headaches for businesses, especially those without in-house tax expertise or the resources to outsource compliance. —Andrew Leahey, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1979, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for outsource

• concourse
• divorce
• endorse
• enforce
• indorse
• midcourse
• perforce
• racecourse
• racehorse
• remorse
• seahorse
• workforce