# outbid

/ˈaʊtˌbɪd/ (US) · /aʊtbˈɪd/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/outbid
Updated: 2026-10-16

## Definition

to offer more money than another person in an auction or sale. You use this when people compete by raising the price.

For teachers: to offer a higher bid than a competitor in an auction or competitive sale.

## Examples

- She outbids everyone for the old painting.
- Two collectors keep raising their offers, but he finally outbids her for the rare comic book.
- Determined to secure the downtown property, the developer outbid three rival firms despite knowing the renovation costs would strain the budget for years.

## Usage notes

- The verb is transitive and takes a direct object; past tense and past participle are usually 'outbid'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.