outwork

[ verb out-wurk; noun out-wurk ]

verb (used with object)

, out·worked or out·wrought, out·work·ing.

1. to work harder, better, or faster than.
2. to work out or carry on to a conclusion; finish:

   a problem to be outworked in after generations.

3. Archaic. to outdo in workmanship.

noun

1. a minor defense built or established outside the principal fortification limits.

outwork

noun

1. often plural defences which lie outside main defensive works
2. work performed away from the factory, office, etc, by which it has been commissioned

verb

1. to work better, harder, etc, than
2. to work out to completion

Derived Forms

• ˈoutˌworker, noun

Other Words From

• outworker noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of outwork¹

1200–50; Middle English: to complete; out-, work

Example Sentences

“She runs harder and runs faster than her opponents. Nobody’s going to outwork her.”

From Los Angeles Times

At 64, he could outwork any reporter half his age.

From Los Angeles Times

“At the time I was just trying to outwork everybody.”

From New York Times

Mr. Trump lost Iowa in 2016 and his rivals, especially Mr. DeSantis, had a chance to outwork him in the state.

From New York Times

“They may be taller, but nobody is going to outwork us,” Erami said.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• bastion
• fortress
• mainstay
• redoubt