outstanding
adjective
out·stand·ing
au̇t-ˈstan-diŋ 
ˈau̇t-ˌstan-
1
: standing out : projecting
stood on an outstanding rock
2
a
: unpaid
left several bills outstanding
b
: continuing to exist : unresolved
a long outstanding problem in astronomy
was arrested on … an outstanding warrant on a domestic violence charge—
Kathy Hogan
Kathy Hogan
c
of securities
: publicly issued and sold
has 20,000 shares outstanding
3
a
: standing out from a group : conspicuous
There are some outstanding exceptions to this rule.
b
: marked by eminence and distinction
an outstanding student
an outstanding achievement
Examples of outstanding in a Sentence
Tonight we will honor the school's most outstanding students.
You did an outstanding job on the project.
the outstanding quality of your work
a wine that is outstanding in quality
As a president, he was outstanding in many ways.
Her novels are outstanding for their complex characters and interesting plots.
The painting is an outstanding example of the artist's style.
Outstanding among the menu items were the tomato soup and the swordfish.
She had several outstanding parking tickets in her car.
He left a balance of 50 dollars outstanding on his account.
Recent Examples on the Web
The Times’ Book Prizes recognize outstanding literary achievements and celebrate the highest quality of writing from authors at all stages of their careers.
—Los Angeles Times, 20 Apr. 2024
One survivor said some outstanding individuals are really tough, capable of enduring challenging situations and fighting through them.
—Doc Louallen, ABC News, 20 Apr. 2024
The show has won 30 Emmy Awards, including five for outstanding reality-competition program.
—Dave Quinn, Peoplemag, 20 Apr. 2024
Trending on Billboard Drew Barrymore, who was nominated for both outstanding daytime talk series and outstanding daytime talk series host last year with The Drew Barrymore Show, wasn’t nominated in either category this year.
—Paul Grein, Billboard, 19 Apr. 2024
Other awards The guide also awarded Green Stars — which indicate a restaurant upholds outstanding sustainable and eco-friendly practices — for the first time in Florida, honoring the Filipino restaurant Kaya in Orlando and Los Felix/Krus Kitchen in Miami.
—Connie Ogle, Miami Herald, 19 Apr. 2024
Before the change, the district didn't turn students away from meals for having outstanding bills.
—The Arizona Republic, 18 Apr. 2024
High school principals, teachers, guidance counselors and district officials are invited to nominate students each week based on outstanding achievement or community service.
—The Courier-Journal, 15 Apr. 2024
Antonio Pappano won the outstanding achievement in opera award for his role as music director of the Royal Opera House.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 15 Apr. 2024
Los Angeles Times, 20 Apr. 2024
One survivor said some outstanding individuals are really tough, capable of enduring challenging situations and fighting through them.
—Doc Louallen, ABC News, 20 Apr. 2024
The show has won 30 Emmy Awards, including five for outstanding reality-competition program.
—Dave Quinn, Peoplemag, 20 Apr. 2024
Trending on Billboard Drew Barrymore, who was nominated for both outstanding daytime talk series and outstanding daytime talk series host last year with The Drew Barrymore Show, wasn’t nominated in either category this year.
—Paul Grein, Billboard, 19 Apr. 2024
Other awards The guide also awarded Green Stars — which indicate a restaurant upholds outstanding sustainable and eco-friendly practices — for the first time in Florida, honoring the Filipino restaurant Kaya in Orlando and Los Felix/Krus Kitchen in Miami.
—Connie Ogle, Miami Herald, 19 Apr. 2024
Before the change, the district didn't turn students away from meals for having outstanding bills.
—The Arizona Republic, 18 Apr. 2024
High school principals, teachers, guidance counselors and district officials are invited to nominate students each week based on outstanding achievement or community service.
—The Courier-Journal, 15 Apr. 2024
Antonio Pappano won the outstanding achievement in opera award for his role as music director of the Royal Opera House.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 15 Apr. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'outstanding.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near outstanding
Cite this Entry
“Outstanding.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/outstanding. Accessed 24 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
outstanding
adjective
out·stand·ing
-ˈstan-diŋ
1
: sticking out : projecting
2
a
: not yet paid : unpaid
outstanding bills
b
: continuing in being : unresolved
problems outstanding
3
: attracting notice especially because of excellence
an outstanding scholar
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