What does outnumbering mean?
“Outnumbering” is the present-participle and gerund form of the verb “outnumber,” meaning to be more numerous than another person, group, or thing. It describes a situation in which one side has a substantial advantage in numbers, as in a military conflict, a competition, an audience, or a population. The phrase “outnumbering by three to one” specifies the difference between the groups, while expressions such as “outnumbering the opposition” emphasize the numerical imbalance without giving exact figures. The word is formal but broadly understandable, and it can be used for people, animals, objects, vehicles, or abstract collections. Because it is formed from “out-” and “number,” it plainly expresses the idea of going beyond another quantity in count. It is also the noun form referring to that numerical advantage or process.
To be greater in number than another person, group, or thing.
"The protesters were outnumbering the police on the square."
Usually used in the present participle form, especially before a noun or after a form of “be.”
The act of being more numerous than another person, group, or thing.
"The outnumbering of the defenders made the team's victory almost inevitable."
More common in formal or analytical writing than in everyday conversation.
Outnumbering turns the simple power of quantity into a decisive advantage: the side with more members can often shape the contest before it begins.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does outnumbering come from?
The word comes from the English verb “outnumber,” formed by combining the prefix “out-” with “number.” “Number” derives from Old French “nombre,” which came from Latin “numerus,” meaning “count” or “number.” The prefix “out-” is Germanic in origin and conveys excess or being beyond something else, so “outnumber” literally means to have a number greater than that of another group.
Related word forms
How outnumbering is actually used
“Outnumbering” is a present participle or gerund form of “outnumber.” It is commonly used before a noun, as in “outnumbering forces,” or after a linking verb, as in “The defenders were outnumbering the attackers.” The word is neutral and widely used in British and American English.