outrun

verb

out·​run ˌau̇t-ˈrən 

outran ˌau̇t-ˈran  ; outrun; outrunning

transitive verb

1

: to run faster than

2

: exceed, surpass

his ambitions outrun his abilities

Synonyms of outrun

• exceed
• surpass

Examples of outrun in a Sentence

The rabbit had no chance of outrunning the dogs.

His motorcycle could outrun any car on the road.

Recent Examples on the Web

Prices are outrunning paychecks For many Gen Z voters, affording even the essentials has become nearly impossible. — Muskaan Arshad, Fortune, 6 Nov. 2026

In the social sector, strategic planning often suffers from optimism bias—leadership teams frequently pencil in arbitrary 5% to 10% annual revenue increases into multi-year plans, hoping top-line growth will magically outrun macroeconomic realities. — Carol O'Neil, Forbes.com, 5 Nov. 2026

Nicholas’s view For all of the drama over individual races this cycle, Republicans across the country couldn’t outrun the overall environment. — Nicholas Wu, semafor.com, 4 Nov. 2026

On the call, Aron insisted AMC has outrun the crisis after paying down several billion dollars in debt over time and with the help of a newly healthy box office. — Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 4 Nov. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1526, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for outrun

• begun
• grandson
• gudrun
• handgun
• homespun
• outdone
• pashtun
• redone
• rerun
• shotgun
• someone
• stepson

Kids Definition

outrun

verb

out·​run (ˈ)au̇t-ˈrən 

outran -ˈran  ; outrun; outrunning

1

: to run or go faster than

2

: exceed sense 1

our needs outran our funds