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

They have outstanding eye-vision and sophisticated communication that allows them to monitor very large areas of land when many individuals work together.

From Science Daily

Individuals with outstanding arrest warrants have been detained during the sweeps.

From Los Angeles Times

Neither Downing Street nor the Department of Health deny the meeting took place, with another source insisting afterwards there was “no outstanding issue” between the two men.

From BBC

"It's something that we’ve been outstanding on over the last ten years, actually," said Farrell.

From BBC

The house builder is also dealing with complaints about flooding and outstanding snagging issues on other developments including in one in Cambridgeshire.

From BBC

Related Words

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