Definition

To have another company or person do work or provide services that your own company could do, often to save money.

Example

Many companies choose to outsource their customer service to reduce costs.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Have you ever thought about why companies outsource their tasks?

Yeah, I guess it saves them a lot of money in the long run.

Exactly! It's interesting how it can also improve efficiency.

For sure, but sometimes I wonder if it affects quality too.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Outsource is formed from "out-" (meaning outside) and "source" (from Old French *sourcer*, meaning to rise or spring from). The word refers to obtaining goods or services from an external source rather than producing them internally.

Memory Tip

Think of getting something from 'outside' ('out-') rather than making it yourself — that's what outsourcing means.

Visually Confused Words