outwork

[out-wurk, out-wurk]

verb (used with object)

outworked, outwrought, outworking. 

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

Other Word Forms

• outworker noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of outwork¹

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

Example Sentences

“He said, ‘Listen, Martin, no one’s going to outwork me, no one’s going to outwork this program,’” Jarmond said on the day of Foster’s introductory news conference.

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We spoke after the first season of “Mo” came out and you talked about how as an immigrant, your mentality is you have to outwork everybody.

Read more on Salon

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

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

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

Read more on New York Times

Related Words

• bastion 
• fortress 
• mainstay 
• redoubt