outwork

1 of 2

verb

out·​work ˌau̇t-ˈwərk 

outworked; outworking; outworks

transitive verb

1

: work out, complete

2

: to work harder, faster, or better than

outwork

2 of 2

noun

out·​work ˈau̇t-ˌwərk 

: a minor defensive position constructed outside a fortified area

Examples of outwork in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Tszyu has allowed Spence to outwork him in three of the five rounds, and those are the ones the American has won. — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026

But Morrow wears it as a badge of honor, a signature trait that fuels her to outwork the players who have the luxury of bigger physical gifts. — Emily Adams, Hartford Courant, 25 May 2026

Noun

Even a nobody-outworks-me guy like Fred Warner will strive to get 9 ½ hours of shuteye per night. — Matt Barrows, New York Times, 1 Jan. 2026

Your entire team will have to outwork and outhustle to outpace the competition in the long run. — John Gallucci Jr, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

circa 1615, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for outwork

• artwork
• beadwork
• berserk
• breastwork
• brickwork
• brushwork
• casework
• classwork
• clockwork
• coursework
• ductwork
• earthwork

Kids Definition

outwork

1 of 2 verb

out·​work (ˈ)au̇t-ˈwərk 

: to outdo in working

outwork

2 of 2 noun

out·​work ˈau̇t-ˌwərk 

: a small protected position constructed outside a main defense (as a castle)