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

In a few years, AI models (paired with formal verification systems to check for accuracy) might be able to prove these lemmas automatically, in the same way that mathematicians currently outsource simple arithmetic to computer programs. —Jordana Cepelewicz, Quanta Magazine, 30 Apr. 2025

The decision to outsource the operation is a first for the streamer after three-plus seasons of building and supporting NESN 360 internally since its launch in 2022. —Jason Clinkscales, Sportico.com, 23 Apr. 2025

The Food and Drug Administration is drawing up plans that would end most of its routine food safety inspections work, multiple federal health officials tell CBS News, and effectively outsource this oversight to state and local authorities. —Alexander Tin, CBS News, 17 Apr. 2025

Employers typically outsource the management of these 401(k) plans to third parties. —Dr. Ronald Premuroso, The Conversation, 14 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1979, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for outsource

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