outsource

American  

[out-sawrs, ‑-sohrs] / ˈaʊtˌsɔrs, ‑ˌsoʊrs /

verb (used with object)

outsourced, outsourcing

1. (of a company or organization) to purchase (goods) or subcontract (services) from an outside supplier or source.

2. to contract out (jobs, services, etc.).

   a small business that outsources bookkeeping to an accounting firm.

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verb (used without object)

outsourced, outsourcing

1. to obtain goods or services from an outside source.

   U.S. companies who outsource from China.

outsource British  

/ ˌaʊtˈsɔːs /

verb

1. to subcontract (work) to another company

2. to buy in (components for a product) rather than manufacture them

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Other Word Forms

• outsourcing noun

Etymology

Origin of outsource

1975–80

Example Sentences

Operational improvements are supporting Krispy Kreme’s turnaround, Charlesworth said, with margins rising in the latest quarter thanks to optimized production, increased productivity and an outsourcing program for logistics that has reduced costs.

From The Wall Street Journal

For example, “John, I really like what you are proposing, but maybe we should pivot and consider outsourcing our production.”

From The Wall Street Journal

While new jobs related to AI industries begin popping up, they won’t come close to replacing all the jobs being cut and outsourced to AI, according to the Citrini report.

From The Wall Street Journal

It keeps tight control over how the program is run, but outsources logistics to third-party retailers who handle all of the sales and pricing.

From The Wall Street Journal

Many simply outsource the decision to a target-date fund based on the year they plan to retire.

From The Wall Street Journal