Outstanding — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective /au̇t-ˈstan-diŋ/ out·stand·ing

Meaning & Definition of Outstanding

Outstanding (adjective)

  1. standing out, projecting
  2. unpaid
  3. continuing to exist, unresolved

Outstanding (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. not yet paid

    "there are several outstanding bills left, but at least we paid the rest"

    similar: overdue, owed, owing, payable, unpaid, unsettled
    related: due, mature
    opposite: cleared, liquidated, paid (off or up), repaid, settled
    near: prepaid

  2. standing above others in rank, importance, or achievement

    "the award goes to the most outstanding student in science"

    similar: astral, bright, distinguished, eminent, illustrious, luminous, noble, notable, noteworthy, preeminent, prestigious, redoubtable, signal, star, superior
    related: celebrated, exalted, famed, famous, glorious, honored, renowned, reputable, infamous, notorious, dominant, paramount, predominant
    near: insignificant, minor, unimportant, average, inferior, mediocre, obscure, uncelebrated, unsung

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Outstanding

The most common words with a similar meaning to Outstanding:

overdue, owed, owing, payable, unpaid, unsettled, astral, bright, distinguished, eminent, illustrious, luminous, noble, notable, noteworthy, preeminent, prestigious, redoubtable, signal, star, superior

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Outstanding

Words with the opposite meaning of Outstanding:

cleared, liquidated, paid (off or up), repaid, settled

Related Words for Outstanding

due, mature, celebrated, exalted, famed, famous, glorious, honored, renowned, reputable, infamous, notorious, dominant, paramount, predominant

Near Antonyms of Outstanding

prepaid, insignificant, minor, unimportant, average, inferior, mediocre, obscure, uncelebrated, unsung

Word Forms of Outstanding

Derived words: outstandingly (adverb)

Origin & Etymology of Outstanding

First known use: 1611

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Outstanding

Frequently Asked Questions about Outstanding

What does "Outstanding" mean?

"Outstanding" means standing out, projecting. As an adjective, it is defined as: standing out, projecting. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Outstanding"?

Other words for "Outstanding" include overdue, owed, owing, payable, unpaid, unsettled, astral and bright. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Outstanding" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Outstanding"?

There are 36 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Outstanding". Common alternatives include overdue, owed, owing, payable, unpaid, unsettled, astral, bright, distinguished and eminent.

What is the opposite of "Outstanding"?

Antonyms of "Outstanding" include cleared, liquidated, paid (off or up), repaid and settled. Near antonyms include prepaid, insignificant, minor and unimportant.

How do you use "Outstanding" in a sentence?

Examples of "Outstanding" in a sentence: "there are several outstanding bills left, but at least we paid the rest"; "the award goes to the most outstanding student in science".

Is "Outstanding" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Outstanding" is an adjective.

Is "Outstanding" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Outstanding" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+.

How do you pronounce "Outstanding"?

"Outstanding" is pronounced /au̇t-ˈstan-diŋ/ and divided into syllables as out·stand·ing.