outstanding

[ out-stan-ding ]

adjective

1. prominent; conspicuous; striking:

   an outstanding example of courage.

   Synonyms: eminent

2. marked by superiority or distinction; excellent; distinguished:

   an outstanding student.

3. continuing in existence; remaining unsettled, unpaid, etc.:

   outstanding debts.

   Synonyms: due, owing

4. (of securities and the like) publicly issued and sold or in circulation.
5. standing out; projecting:

   a stiff, outstanding fabric.

6. Archaic. that resists or opposes.

outstanding

/ ˌaʊtˈstændɪŋ /

adjective

1. superior; excellent; distinguished
2. prominent, remarkable, or striking
3. still in existence; unsettled, unpaid, or unresolved
4. (of shares, bonds, etc) issued and sold
5. projecting or jutting upwards or outwards

Derived Forms

• ˌoutˈstandingly, adverb

Other Words From

• outstanding·ly adverb
• outstanding·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of outstanding¹

First recorded in 1605–15; outstand + -ing ²

Example Sentences

A judge issued a warrant in December 2023, and it remained outstanding.

From Los Angeles Times

Once the officer found the outstanding warrant, he cuffed Nelly’s hands behind his back and, Rosenblum said, “felt compelled” to “parade him through the casino in front of other customers.”

From Los Angeles Times

Two other schools have top teams to create what could be outstanding competition for the Southern Section Open Division playoffs.

From Los Angeles Times

“And then he’s had back-to-back defensive games that were outstanding.”

From Los Angeles Times

The Southern Section Division 1 and 2 football playoff matchups on Friday are outstanding.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• distinguished
• dominant
• eminent
• excellent
• exceptional
• famous
• great
• important
• impressive
• magnificent
• phenomenal
• preeminent
• special
• stellar
• superior
• superlative
• well-known