outset

noun

out·​set ˈau̇t-ˌset 

: beginning, start

Synonyms of outset

• beginning
• start
• inception
• onset
• commencement

Examples of outset in a Sentence

There have been problems with the project from the outset.

From its very outset, the company has produced the highest quality products.

He made it clear at the outset that he is not going to quit his job.

She set high goals for herself at the outset of her career.

Recent Examples on the Web

Lumen attributes its success to the formation of its Lumen Transformation Office (LTO), standardized processes, and obsessive setting of KPIs from the outset of each transformation project. —Sage Lazzaro, Fortune, 9 June 2026

All six formally withdrew within 72 hours of the league’s announcement, joining Germany’s two biggest teams, Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund, which refused from the outset to join. —Kirk Bowman, The Conversation, 9 June 2026

Stephen Curry signed with Under Armour in 2013, and while his signature line sold well at the outset, the company struggled to capitalize on one of the NBA’s generational talents. —Justin Birnbaum, Sportico.com, 8 June 2026

At the outset this year, however, glimmers of hope appeared to emerge. —Max Zahn, ABC News, 8 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1759, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for outset

• abet
• asset
• baguette
• banquette
• barbette
• beget
• beset
• binet
• briquette
• brunet
• brunette
• burette

Kids Definition

outset

noun

out·​set ˈau̇t-ˌset 

: beginning sense 1, start