ENGLISH
REFERENCE

outstanding

adj.
US //ˌaʊtˈstændɪŋ// UK //aʊtstˈændɪŋ// out·stand·ing
  1. 1 excellent (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    exceptionally good and much better than others.

    distinguished by superiority; remarkably excellent or distinguished.

    Example

    The young pianist gave an outstanding performance that the audience loved.

    Example

    The researcher was recognized for her outstanding contribution to the field of molecular biology, having published three ground-breaking papers in a single year.
  2. 2 unpaid or unresolved (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    not yet paid, solved, or finished.

    remaining unsettled, unpaid, or unresolved. Often used in financial or administrative contexts.

    Example

    Please pay any outstanding bills before you leave the apartment.

    Example

    The company still has several outstanding legal issues that must be resolved before the merger can be finalized.

    Usage

    Frequently used with nouns like 'debt', 'balance', 'issue', or 'invoice'.
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  1. 3 very noticeable (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Formal

    clearly very important or easy to see.

    prominent or conspicuous; standing out from a background or group.

    Example

    The tower is the most outstanding feature of the city skyline.

    Example

    The most outstanding characteristic of the local architecture is the use of red volcanic stone in the foundations of every building.
Origin

From outstand, equivalent to out- + standing or outstand + -ing.

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