What does outstripping mean?
Outstripping is the present participle of outstrip, a verb meaning to go beyond someone or something in performance, quantity, value, or achievement. It often describes results that exceed an established benchmark, such as expectations, sales, or the work of competitors. The word combines the directional prefix out- with strip in its older figurative sense of passing beyond a limit, giving it an image of moving decisively past something rather than merely matching it. In modern usage, outstripping is formal but broadly understood and appears frequently in business reporting, journalism, research, and academic prose. Related constructions include outstripping expectations, outstripping the competition, and outstripping previous records. Although it is sometimes used interchangeably with surpassing or exceeding, outstripping can suggest a particularly substantial difference between the two things being compared.
verbThe present participle of outstrip, meaning to surpass or exceed someone or something in amount, degree, achievement, or performance.
- To be greater than, surpass, or exceed someone or something in degree, quantity, value, or performance.
"The company's innovative products quickly outstripped those of its established competitors."
"Demand for the service outstripped the organisation's capacity to respond."
"Her second novel outstripped the sales of her first by a wide margin."
Outstripping is a vivid way of saying not merely equalling another achievement, but moving decisively beyond it.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does outstripping come from?
Outstrip combines the prefix out- with strip and has used the word in the figurative sense of passing beyond a limit or another person's attainments. The compound dates from the early 17th century, while strip is an old English verb with Germanic relatives that include stripe. The modern form has long been associated primarily with surpassing someone in achievement, rank, or extent.
Related word forms
How outstripping is actually used
The word is formal or neutral in tone and is common in journalism, business, academic writing, and comparative discussion. It is especially appropriate when describing results that exceed expectations or a prior level.