Definition of Outsource
Quick Meaning of Outsource
To hire someone outside your company to do work instead of doing it yourself. Many companies outsource tasks to cut costs or get specialized expertise.
Detailed Definition of Outsource
To obtain or contract services, work, or goods from an external company or supplier rather than producing or handling them internally.
How to Pronounce Outsource
Stress pattern: Oo (2-syllable word).
Tip: OUT-source. Stress the first syllable OUT strongly. The second syllable 'source' is lower stress and rhymes with 'force'. Two clear syllables.
Watch out: Some learners say 'out-SOURCE' (stressing the second syllable) or mispronounce 'source' as 'sauce'. Always stress OUT and rhyme 'source' with 'force', not 'sauce'.
Origin and Etymology of Outsource
From 'out-' + 'source'. 'Source' comes from Latin 'surgere' (to rise, spring forth). 'Outsource' as a business term emerged in the 1980s-1990s as globalization expanded and companies sought cost efficiencies by contracting external suppliers.
How to Use Outsource in a Sentence
Each example shows “outsource” with a CEFR level so learners can pick examples that match their fluency.
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“The company decided to outsource its customer service to India.”
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“We outsourced the website design to a specialized agency.”
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“Many businesses outsource accounting to reduce overhead costs.”
Synonyms and Antonyms of Outsource
Common Synonyms for Outsource
Smart Synonyms for Outsource — When to Use Each
- contract out
- Emphasizes formal agreement and external supplier relationship
- subcontract
- More technical; common in construction and manufacturing
- delegate
- More general term; can refer to internal
Antonyms of Outsource
Common Collocations with Outsource
These phrases pair with “outsource” in everyday English:
- outsource to
- outsource work
- outsource services
- outsource production
- outsource operations
Common Mistakes When Using Outsource
Even fluent speakers slip up with “outsource”. Here’s how to avoid the most common errors:
- ✗ Wrong: We outsourced the project at India.
- ✓ Correct: We outsourced the project to India.
- Why: Use 'outsource TO' for the destination/supplier, not 'at'.
- ✗ Wrong: The company outsource its IT services last year.
- ✓ Correct: The company outsourced its IT services last year.
- Why: 'Company' is singular; use 'outsourced' (past tense), not 'outsource'.
Other Forms of Outsource
- Noun: outsourcing
- Verb: outsource
- Adjective: outsourced
Frequently Asked Questions About Outsource
What is the meaning of "Outsource"?
To hire someone outside your company to do work instead of doing it yourself. Many companies outsource tasks to cut costs or get specialized expertise.
How do you pronounce "Outsource"?
The IPA is /ˈaʊtˌsɔːrs/. OUT-source. Stress the first syllable OUT strongly. The second syllable 'source' is lower stress and rhymes with 'force'. Two clear syllables.
What part of speech is "Outsource"?
"Outsource" is a verb at B2 level (Common European Framework).
What are synonyms for "Outsource"?
Common synonyms include contract out, subcontract, delegate.
How do you use "Outsource" in a sentence?
For example: "The company decided to outsource its customer service to India."