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

Sequencing decisions are made on partial information, with the program's most consequential constraints surfacing mid-execution rather than being designed around from the outset. — Mohit Gupta, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026

Improving at the outset of games won’t come down to simply dialing up more NASCAR. — Nick Kosmider, New York Times, 16 July 2026

Restricted free agency doesn’t appear to be the most thrilling proposition at the outset, Walker Kessler admitted on Monday morning in Las Vegas. — Benjamin Royer, Oc Register, 13 July 2026

At the outset of the race, the conventional wisdom among Michigan Democrats was that Stevens was the clear favorite, and that El-Sayed and McMorrow would compete with each other to emerge as her challenger. — Jason Zengerle, New Yorker, 10 July 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