outstanding
/ˌaʊtˈstændɪŋ/Exceptionally good or impressive; of superior quality or performance
The restaurant has outstanding service and delicious food.
The restaurant provides excellent service and has very good food.
He is an outstanding student with a perfect GPA.
He is an exceptionally good student who has achieved the highest grades.
Often used to describe people, performances, or things that are notably excellent.
Not yet settled or resolved; remaining to be dealt with
There are several outstanding issues that need to be addressed in the contract.
There are unresolved problems in the contract that must be fixed.
The company has outstanding debts that need to be paid.
The company has unpaid debts that must be settled.
In legal or financial contexts, this refers to matters that are still pending or unresolved.
Collocations
Related Phrases
💡Pro Tip
Context Matters
The meaning of 'outstanding' depends heavily on context. In positive contexts, it means 'excellent,' while in legal or financial contexts, it means 'unresolved.'
⚡Gold Rule
Positive vs. Neutral Use
When describing people or things, 'outstanding' is always positive. When describing debts or issues, it is neutral or negative.
📖Word Origin
From Middle English 'outstanden' (to remain, persist), from 'out-' (out) + 'standen' (to stand). The adjective sense developed in the 16th century to mean 'remaining' and later 'excellent' in the 19th century.
📝Usage Notes
The word can be used both positively (to describe excellence) and neutrally (to describe something that is still pending). Context usually clarifies the intended meaning.