outstanding
Americanadjective
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prominent; conspicuous; striking.
an outstanding example of courage.
- Synonyms:
- eminent
-
marked by superiority or distinction; excellent; distinguished.
an outstanding student.
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continuing in existence; remaining unsettled, unpaid, etc..
outstanding debts.
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(of securities and the like) publicly issued and sold or in circulation.
-
standing out; projecting.
a stiff, outstanding fabric.
-
Archaic. that resists or opposes.
adjective
-
superior; excellent; distinguished
-
prominent, remarkable, or striking
-
still in existence; unsettled, unpaid, or unresolved
-
(of shares, bonds, etc) issued and sold
-
projecting or jutting upwards or outwards
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of outstanding
Explanation
Something outstanding stands out for good reasons. Your outstanding presentation captured everyone's attention; unfortunately, so did the tear in the seat of your pants. An outstanding performance of any kind will impress people, but there's one meaning to outstanding that most of us would rather avoid: that which remains unpaid. Outstanding gift ideas can lead to outstanding debt. Your outstanding mood was ruined when you saw the size of your outstanding credit card balance.
Vocabulary lists containing outstanding
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Israel has produced outstanding players in the past.
From BBC ● Sep. 17, 2026
The battle in the trenches will be memorable, with Orange Lutheran’s offensive line, led by Texas-bound Lucas Rhoa, taking on Sierra Canyon’s outstanding defensive line that includes former Lancer Marcus Fakatou, who wears No. 99.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 16, 2026
Above all, to support the yen "it is important that the Japanese government reduce its outstanding debt and secure market confidence".
From Barron's ● Sep. 16, 2026
“The Pitt,” the chaotically paced medical drama that reinvigorated the genre, landed outstanding drama series for the second year in a row, along with a repeat win for lead actor Noah Wyle.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 15, 2026
There’s a laminated sign taped to the front reminding us to have outstanding posture.
From "Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda" by Becky Albertalli
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
