What does outstanding mean?
Outstanding is a versatile adjective with two broad kinds of meaning. In its most familiar positive sense, it describes something that is exceptionally good, impressive, or notable, as in an outstanding achievement or an outstanding performance. It can also describe something that remains to be dealt with: an outstanding debt is money still owed, while an outstanding issue or question remains unresolved. These senses share an idea of distinction, either because something stands out from ordinary experience or because it stands apart from settled matters. The word is common in formal, professional, and academic English, but it is also widely used in everyday speech and journalism. Its positive use carries strong praise, while its financial and administrative uses are neutral and technical. Because “outstanding” can imply both excellence and incompleteness, context is important when determining which meaning is intended.
adjectiveConspicuously exceptional or impressive in quality, achievement, or importance; also, still existing or awaiting attention, payment, or resolution.
- Conspicuously exceptional in quality, achievement, or importance.
- Still existing or continuing, especially in a form that requires attention or action.
- Not yet paid, settled, or accounted for, especially of money or debts.
"Her outstanding contribution to medical research earned her international recognition."
"The museum acquired an outstanding collection of early photographs."
"The company had outstanding debts that it was struggling to repay."
Outstanding means both “still unresolved” and “exceptionally impressive,” so one word can describe an outstanding performance and an outstanding problem.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does outstanding come from?
The word formed in Middle English from the elements out and stand, originally referring to something that stands out or projects beyond something else. Its modern sense of being exceptionally notable developed from the idea of standing apart from ordinary things, while the older sense of remaining outstanding came to mean being unpaid or unresolved. The root is shared with English words such as understand, withstand, and standpoint, all reflecting the Germanic ancestry of stand.
Related word forms
How outstanding is actually used
When describing unpaid money or unresolved matters, outstanding is a standard formal term. Its positive sense, meaning excellent or remarkable, is widely used in British and American English, though it can sound complimentary or promotional in formal contexts.
Easily confused with outstanding
Outstanding can mean either exceptionally impressive or still awaiting payment, resolution, or attention; the context determines which sense applies.
Standing means currently in existence, accepted, or continuing, whereas outstanding commonly adds the idea of exceptional quality or an unresolved status.