outbuilt
Definition
Verb (transitive): To have built more than, or to have built in a manner superior to, another person or group. The word "outbuilt" is the past tense and past participle of the verb "outbuild."
Usage Examples
- (Constructed more factories than its rivals.)
- (Built a larger addition than the neighbor.)
- (Constructed more or better infrastructure than other societies.)
Advanced Usage
"to be outbuilt": to be surpassed in building quantity or quality.
- Despite their efforts, the small town was outbuilt by the rapidly growing city. (The city built more than the town.)
"outbuilt expectations": to construct something that exceeds what was anticipated.
- The architect outbuilt all expectations with her innovative design. (Her building project was more impressive than anyone expected.)
Variants and Related Words
Outbuild (verb, base form): to build more or better than.
- They plan to outbuild their rivals in the coming year. (They intend to construct more than their competitors.)
Outbuilding (noun): a separate building, such as a shed or garage, on a property.
- The farm had several outbuildings for storage. (Separate structures on the property.)
Synonyms
- Surpass in building: to exceed in construction output.
- Overbuild: to build more than necessary or more than another.
Phrasal Verbs
- None directly associated with "outbuilt."
Related Idioms
- Build a better mousetrap: to create a superior version of something, similar to outbuilding others in innovation.
- If you want to succeed, you must outbuild your competitors by building a better mousetrap. (Create a superior product.)