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

The study quoted providers who were unhappy with attempts to outsource CCM work. —Phil Galewitz, NPR, 17 Apr. 2024

But whereas other bespoke footwear makers will outsource their made-to-order lines to third-party factories, each Parker boot will continue to be made in its workshop by a team of 11 highly skilled craftspeople. —Eric Twardzik, Robb Report, 17 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1979, in the meaning defined above