Word
outclassed
Phoneticsout·classed, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈaʊtˌkɫæst/
UK/aʊtklˈɑːst/
Definition
v. to beat someone easily because you are much better than them, especially in a sport or contest.
v. to defeat or surpass an opponent decisively through superior skill, quality, or performance.
Examples
“Our team outclasses their team in every match.”
“In the final, the younger player was completely outclassed by the champion.”
“Despite months of preparation, the visiting side was outclassed in midfield, where sharper passing and faster decisions exposed every gap in their shape.”
Examples
simple
“Our team outclasses their team in every match.”
contextual
“In the final, the younger player was completely outclassed by the champion.”
complex
“Despite months of preparation, the visiting side was outclassed in midfield, where sharper passing and faster decisions exposed every gap in their shape.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “outclassed” in context.
Verb
01. feel outclassed
“The young players felt outclassed against experienced professionals.”
verb + adj
02. look outclassed
“They looked outclassed from the first ten minutes of the game.”
verb + adj
03. outclassed by champion
“She was outclassed by the defending champion in straight sets.”
verb + prep + noun
04. outclassed by opponent
“We were outclassed by opponents who were faster and stronger.”
verb + prep + noun
05. outclassed in final
“Our team was outclassed in the final and lost 4-0.”
verb + prep + noun
Adjective
06. completely outclassed
“Our school team was completely outclassed by the national champions.”
adv + verb
07. thoroughly outclassed
“The challenger was thoroughly outclassed in every round.”
adv + verb
08. totally outclassed
“United were totally outclassed in midfield on Saturday.”
adv + verb
09. be completely outclassed by rivals
“We were completely outclassed by rivals who controlled the whole match.”
10. be outclassed in every department
“The visitors were outclassed in every department and lost heavily.”
11. be thoroughly outclassed by champions
“The challengers were thoroughly outclassed by the reigning champions.”
12. look totally outclassed from start
“The home side looked totally outclassed from the start of the game.”
Usage
The verb is transitive and takes a direct object.
Real-World Examples
“France coach Didier Deschamps conceded his side had been outclassed after Spain dismantled them 2-0 in Tuesday's World Cup semi-final, exposing technical, tactical and physical failings in a disappointing end to their quest for a third title.” “Israel Adesanya outclassed Paulo Costa en route to a second-round TKO on Saturday night, defending his middleweight championship belt in the main event at UFC 253 at Fight Island in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.” Synonyms
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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