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

Organizations that build privacy, governance and operational control into their architecture from the outset are far more likely to move AI from experimentation into production. — Dilip Kumar, Forbes.com, 24 Sep. 2026

At the outset of the Biden administration in January 2021, NASA was still targeting a 2024 lunar landing, even though this was widely seen as unreasonable. — Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 23 Sep. 2026

Wheeler coach Josh Wissing, a longtime college and high school assistant in his first season leading a program, has liked this version of Murray from the outset. — Michael Osipoff, Chicago Tribune, 23 Sep. 2026

Which plants remain open, which plants get built and whether new plants include pollution control equipment at the outset will affect Americans’ electricity bills. — Akshaya Jha, The Conversation, 22 Sep. 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