What does outpace mean?
Outpace is a verb meaning to move or progress faster than another person, object, or standard. In its most direct sense, it describes outperforming a rival in a race or contest: a cyclist might outpace the rest of the field. It can also apply more broadly to development, growth, production, or performance, as when a company says its expansion outpaced that of its competitors. The word carries a mild implication of sustained advantage, often suggesting that the subject is not merely equal to another but is moving decisively ahead. Outpace is more specific than surpass, which may focus on any form of superiority, and it is closely related to outrun, though outrun more often describes physical movement. The term is common in journalism, business, sport, and formal comparative writing.
verbTo move faster than someone or something, especially in a race or competition. It can also mean to do better than another person or thing in terms of progress, achievement, or performance.
- To move faster than someone or something
- To exceed or surpass another person or thing in progress, development, or achievement
"The younger runner gradually outpaced her more experienced rival."
"The new model can outpace most competitors in the first half of the race."
"Their investment strategy outpaced the growth of the wider market."
Outpace is the word for winning a race—or for growing so quickly that competitors cannot catch up.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does outpace come from?
Outpace is formed from the prefix out- and the noun pace, meaning a rate of movement. The verb developed in the 16th century, initially referring to going beyond another person in a race. Pace ultimately derives from Old French pas, from the Latin passus, a step or pace, and out- has long conveyed movement beyond something.
Related word forms
How outpace is actually used
The word is formal and commonly used in reporting, business, sport, and comparative discussion. It often suggests a continuing advantage rather than a momentary lead.
Easily confused with outpace
Outrun commonly means to move ahead of another person or vehicle, while outpace can also mean to exceed another person or thing in progress, growth, or performance.
Surpass is broader and often implies exceeding a standard or achievement, whereas outpace more specifically suggests moving faster or progressing more quickly than something else.