outmatch

[ out-mach ]

verb (used with object)

1. to be superior to; surpass; outdo:

   The home team seems to have been completely outmatched by the visitors.

Word History and Origins

Origin of outmatch¹

First recorded in 1595–1605; out- + match ²

Example Sentences

A place where the better angels of our nature have been outmatched by the dark impulses of hatred and fear.

From Los Angeles Times

The Chain team seemed outmatched at its signature event.

From Los Angeles Times

The Democrats, liberals and progressives have been totally outmatched here.

From Salon

Many fans seemingly forgot that she was still a rookie, and that she played for a team so outmatched it had just earned the No. 1 draft pick during consecutive seasons.

From Los Angeles Times

Last year, I described her as a member of “pop’s middle class”: a group of internet-beloved artists creating music that makes winking reference to pop history, whose celebrity vastly outmatches their commercial success.

From New York Times

Related Words

• outdistance
• outrank
• outshine
• overstep