Outstanding
ˌaʊtˈstændɪŋ
Definitions
2 meaningsRemarkable or excellent; surpassing others.
ˌaʊtˈstændɪŋ
Remarkable or of high quality
The restaurant is known for its outstanding service.
💡 Simply: Imagine you go to a concert, and the band is amazing! They're so good they make everyone say, "Wow, that was outstanding!" It's like they're above and beyond everyone else.
👶 For kids: When something is outstanding, it means it's really, really good, like the best!
More Examples
She has an outstanding ability to solve complex problems.
The artwork was considered outstanding in its field.
How It's Used
"The singer gave an outstanding performance."
"She received an outstanding grade on her exam."
Remaining unpaid, unresolved, or not yet dealt with.
ˌaʊtˈstændɪŋ
Unresolved or unpaid
The bank sent a notice about the outstanding balance on the credit card.
💡 Simply: Imagine you owe your friend some money. If you haven't paid them yet, that money is 'outstanding' until you give it to them.
👶 For kids: When something is outstanding, it can also mean that it still needs to be done or paid.
More Examples
The project has some outstanding issues that need to be resolved.
There are a few outstanding tasks on my to-do list.
How It's Used
"There are several outstanding invoices."
"The company has outstanding debts to pay."
Idioms & expressions
an outstanding debt
A debt that has not yet been paid.
"The company struggled to manage its outstanding debt."
an outstanding achievement
A notable accomplishment.
"The scientist's research was an outstanding achievement."
Outstanding in the field
Exceptionnel or highly distinguished in a particular area.
"She is outstanding in the field of medical research"
From Middle English 'outstanden,' meaning 'to project' or 'to remain.' It evolved to describe things that project noticeably, then to things exceeding expectations or still unpaid.
Used in legal and financial documents centuries ago to denote remaining obligations. The meaning of exceptional quality developed later.
Memory tip
Think of something that 'stands out' from the rest.