outdo

American  

[out-doo] / ˌaʊtˈdu /

verb (used with object)

outdid, outdone, outdoing

1. to surpass in execution or performance.

   The cook outdid himself last night.

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outdo British  

/ ˌaʊtˈduː /

verb

1. (tr) to surpass or exceed in performance or execution

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Related Words

See excel.

Etymology

Origin of outdo

First recorded in 1600–20; out-, do ¹

Explanation

To outdo is to beat or surpass: when you outdo your brother in a pie-eating contest, you manage to gobble down more lemon meringue than he does. You'll probably regret it later, but at least you'll have that blue ribbon! Anyone who outdoes another person wins against them in some contest, whether it's an actual competition or an unstated rivalry. You can also outdo your own record, like when you outdo last semester's grades with the help of all the As you get in English. And you can cheer for your favorite basketball team as they outdo their opponents by easily winning the game.

Example Sentences

CEO transitions not linked to activists saw the companies’ stocks outdo the S&P 500 by 2.5% the first year and 4% after two years.

From Barron's • Apr. 10, 2026

Even in abnormal political times, competition can be healthy, spurring journalists to match or outdo rival outlets.

From Slate • Mar. 18, 2026

And Terri Lyne can stand beside any man and hold her own and outdo many men.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 29, 2026

Discovery WBD -0.54%decrease; red down pointing triangle in a second round of bids as it tries to outdo rival Paramount.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 2, 2025

I also noticed that everything Elizabeth does, Jessica tries to outdo.

From "Out of My Mind" by Sharon M. Draper

Related Words

• eclipse
• excel
• outclass
• outdistance
• outfox
• outmaneuver
• outshine
• outsmart
• outstrip
• surpass
• transcend