outsider

American  

[out-sahy-der] / ˌaʊtˈsaɪ dər /

noun

1. a person not belonging to a particular group, set, party, etc..

   Society often regards the artist as an outsider.

2. a person unconnected or unacquainted with the matter in question.

   Not being a parent, I was regarded as an outsider.

3. a racehorse, sports team, or other competitor not considered likely to win or succeed.

4. a person or thing not within an enclosure, boundary, etc.

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outsider British  

/ ˌaʊtˈsaɪdə /

noun

1. a person or thing excluded from or not a member of a set, group, etc

2. a contestant, esp a horse, thought unlikely to win in a race

3. (in the north) a person who does not live in the Arctic regions

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Etymology

Origin of outsider

First recorded in 1790–1800; outside + -er ¹

Example Sentences

It’s worth noting that in “Austenland,” Jane’s budget package—copper, as opposed to platinum—makes her the movie’s counterpart to the orphaned Fanny, as well as the reliable Austen outsider.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026

When she was starting as a comedian, as an “older woman who was talking about having babies,” Blaine felt like an outsider.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 25, 2026

Austrian coach Adi Hutter is a rank outsider, although he did win admirers in the Premier League with his work at clubs such as Eintracht Frankfurt.

From BBC • Mar. 24, 2026

"I am constantly being treated like an outsider."

From BBC • Mar. 21, 2026

Once again, I’m the odd one out, the outsider, not really part of this community where I was born and have lived all my life.

From "A Place at the Table" by Saadia Faruqi and Laura Shovan

Related Words

• alien
• foreigner
• interloper
• newcomer
• stranger