outstrip

verb

out·​strip ˌau̇t-ˈstrip 

outstripped; outstripping; outstrips

transitive verb

1

: to go faster or farther than

2

: to get ahead of

… has civilization outstripped the ability of its users to use it?

—Margaret Mead

Synonyms of outstrip

• exceed
• surpass
• eclipse

Choose the Right Synonym for outstrip

exceed, surpass, transcend, excel, outdo, outstrip mean to go or be beyond a stated or implied limit, measure, or degree.

exceed implies going beyond a limit set by authority or established by custom or by prior achievement.

exceed the speed limit

surpass suggests superiority in quality, merit, or skill.

the book surpassed our expectations

transcend implies a rising or extending notably above or beyond ordinary limits.

transcended the values of their culture

excel implies preeminence in achievement or quality and may suggest superiority to all others.

excels in mathematics

outdo applies to a bettering or exceeding what has been done before.

outdid herself this time

outstrip suggests surpassing in a race or competition.

outstripped other firms in sales

Examples of outstrip in a Sentence

The new hotel outstrips all other hotels in the area in size and luxury.

The fullback outstripped the defenders and scored a touchdown.

Recent Examples on the Web

Federal and state laws set minimum numbers of spaces required for people with disabilities, but the need for the parking spots far outstrips the amount provided, according to Keller’s lawsuit. —Dara Kam, Sun Sentinel, 26 Jan. 2026

Its reservoirs have dropped dramatically as drought has persisted and water use has outstripped the shrinking supply. —Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 24 Jan. 2026

The modern labor market is currently reorganizing at a pace that outstrips employers, workers, and educators’ ability to adapt. —Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 22 Jan. 2026

Primerica’s research reports that nearly seven out of 10 households (69%) say the costs of living are outstripping their income. —Mark Davis, USA Today, 20 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

out- + obsolete strip to move fast

First Known Use

1567, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for outstrip

• airship
• airstrip
• clerkship
• courtship
• equip
• filmstrip
• flagship
• gunship
• headship
• heirship
• judgeship
• kinship

Kids Definition

outstrip

verb

out·​strip -ˈstrip 

outstripped; outstripping

1

: to go faster or farther than

outstripped the other runners

2

a

: excel

outstripped all rivals

b

: exceed sense 1

demand outstrips supply