What does outscored mean?
To outscore is to achieve a higher score than someone else in a competition or measurable activity. The word is especially common in sport, where it may refer to points, goals, baskets, runs, or any other scoring unit, but it also applies to examinations, evaluations, and similar contests. Saying that a team “outscored its opponent” establishes that the team scored more overall; it does not necessarily imply that the team won, since the rules of the contest might reward a different result. The word can also be used more broadly when one entry receives a higher rating or value than another. Although “beat” can be a simpler alternative, “outscore” is more precise because it identifies the numerical basis of the result.
verbTo score more points, goals, or other units of credit than another person or team.
- To score more points, goals, or other units of credit than another person or team.
"The visitors outscored the champions in the final quarter and secured a narrow victory."
"The home side outscored its visitors 4–3 despite playing most of the match without its leading scorer."
"Her final project outscored every other entry and earned the top prize."
Outscore turns the familiar idea of a score into a direct contest: it means winning the scoring comparison itself.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of outscored
Outscore is an English compound formed by combining the prefix “out-” with the established word “score.” The prefix conveys a result beyond or in excess of that achieved by someone else, while “score” supplies the idea of points or numerical achievement. The compound preserves the pronunciation of “score,” with the main stress falling on the second element.
Related word forms
How outscored is actually used
The verb is common in American and British English, especially in reports of sports, competitions, examinations, and other events measured numerically. It is slightly more formal than simply saying that one team “beat” another in score.