outsourced
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈaʊtsaʊrst/
KK: /aʊtsaʊrst/
adjective
Definition
Describing work or services that are done by a company or individual outside of the main organization, often to save costs or improve efficiency.
Example
The company decided to use outsourced services for its customer support to reduce expenses.
Conversation
Did you hear about the new project at work?
Yeah, I heard it's mostly outsourced now.
I wonder how that will affect our team dynamics.
It might be interesting, but I hope the quality stays high.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
contracted
delegated
subcontracted
Antonyms
in-house
internal
local
verb
Definition
To have work done by someone outside of your own company or organization instead of doing it internally.
Example
The company outsourced its customer service to a third-party provider.
Tense Forms
Past: outsourced
Past Participle: outsourced
Conversation
Did you hear that they outsourced the customer service team?
Yeah, I heard about that! It seems like a big change.
I wonder if it will affect the response time.
Root Explanation
Outsourced → It is formed from "out-" (meaning outside) and "source" (from Old French *sourcer*, meaning to obtain or supply). The word "outsourced" means to obtain goods or services from an external source rather than from within the organization.
Memory Tip
Think of obtaining something from 'outside' ('out-') rather than from within — that's what outsourced means.
Visually Confused Words
No commonly confused words.