outsource

verb

out·​source ˈau̇t-ˌsȯrs 

outsourced; outsourcing; outsources

transitive + intransitive

: to procure (something, such as some goods or services needed by a business or organization) from outside sources and especially from foreign or nonunion suppliers : to contract for work, jobs, etc., to be done by outside or foreign workers

decided to outsource some back-office operations

Some services and aspects of production were outsourced to cut costs.

Firms outsource to capitalize on their strengths while minimizing business activities that are not core functions.

—John K. Borchardt

compare insource

Examples of outsource in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Additionally, a growing focus on the value of time has led more Americans to outsource household tasks from grocery shopping to laundry to cleaning up after their pets. — Kamaron McNair, CNBC, 21 Oct. 2026

To get around these requirements, some employers outsource to subcontracting firms. — Laina Gustafson, Christian Science Monitor, 15 Oct. 2026

Given its low-cost nature and the prevalence of automation, bookkeeping is a service that most small businesses can outsource affordably. — Vlad Rusz, Forbes.com, 13 Oct. 2026

The company website said the brand doesn’t outsource and instead relies on local suppliers. — Vicki M. Young, Footwear News, 30 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1979, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for outsource

• concourse
• divorce
• endorse
• enforce
• indorse
• midcourse
• perforce
• racehorse
• remorse
• seahorse
• workforce
• workhorse