Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
is outperformed
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "is outperformed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing the performance of one entity or item against another, indicating that one has performed better than the other. Example: "In the latest study, the new model is outperformed by its predecessor in terms of efficiency."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Formal & Business
Alternative expressions(7)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
60 human-written examples
She is outperformed by Johanna, who describes herself as "a military analyst slash Chinese linguist".
News & Media
The planar cell is outperformed by the triangular tube cell as well.
Science
Experiments on the basis of a driving cycle show that a conventional variator controller is outperformed.
Science
An underperforming starter who is outperformed by a replacement is a sure sign that it's time to move on.
News & Media
Finally, a comparative study among the proposed MOPSOs, NSGAII and SPEA2 algorithms is made to demonstrate which algorithm is outperformed.
Based upon the results, SBFA is outperformed in comparison with the aforementioned algorithms in selecting the optimum capacitance.
It is outperformed by tripes gratinees, a dense, chewy casserole of tripe squares, tomato and potato, in perfect keeping with the proletarian myth of the restaurant.
News & Media
You know the drill: An actively managed fund, with its higher trading costs, taxes and expense ratios, is outperformed over time by a low-cost, indexed one.
News & Media
The Knives does not pretend to be that, and it rattles along, but even in pacing it is outperformed by the spectacle of the real.
News & Media
Experimental results reveal that the proposed cognitive AODV protocol with directional antennas is outperformed in comparison with traditional Infrastructure based wireless networks.
The pass gate DFF is outperformed slightly when it comes to D-Q-based power-delay product and more significantly when it comes to the maximum clock frequency.
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "is outperformed", ensure that the comparison is clear and that the entities being compared are explicitly stated to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "The system is outperformed", specify "The old system is outperformed by the new system".
Common error
Avoid using "is outperformed" without a clear reference point. Saying something "is outperformed" without specifying what it is outperformed by can leave the reader confused. Provide context to make the comparison meaningful.
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "is outperformed" functions as a passive verb phrase indicating that a subject's performance is inferior to that of another. Ludwig confirms this usage through numerous examples where one entity's performance is contrasted with a superior alternative.
Frequent in
Science
64%
News & Media
24%
Formal & Business
3%
Less common in
Wiki
2%
Academia
2%
Encyclopedias
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "is outperformed" is a common and grammatically sound passive verb phrase used to denote inferior performance in comparison to something else. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is widely used across various domains, especially in science and news media. When using "is outperformed", clarity is key; ensure a clear comparison between the entities involved. Though versatile, it leans towards a neutral to formal register, making it suitable for analytical and structured communication. Keep in mind that using the phrase clearly, with correct context and specified entities is essential. Avoid ambiguous and confusing use of the phrase without specifying both entities being compared.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
is surpassed
Replaces "outperformed" with a more general term for exceeding or exceeding.
is outstripped by
Implies that one thing has moved ahead of another quickly.
is exceeded
Focuses on exceeding a certain limit or standard.
is exceeded by
Emphasizes the entity doing the exceeding.
is bettered by
Highlights the improvement of one thing over another.
is eclipsed by
Suggests a more dramatic and complete outperformance, akin to being hidden from view.
is dwarfed by
Suggests a significant difference in size or scale of performance.
is overshadowed by
Indicates that something is less noticeable or important due to the other's superior performance.
lags behind
Focuses on the idea of falling behind in progress or performance.
cannot compete with
Emphasizes inability of something to reach the same level.
FAQs
How to use "is outperformed" in a sentence?
Use "is outperformed" to indicate that one thing performs worse than another. For instance, "The previous model "is outperformed" by the latest version in terms of speed and efficiency."
What are some alternatives to "is outperformed"?
Alternatives include "is surpassed", "is exceeded", or "lags behind", depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.
Is it better to use "is outperformed by" or "outperforms"?
Both are correct, but they differ in emphasis. "Is outperformed by" uses a passive voice, highlighting the entity being surpassed. "Outperforms" uses an active voice, highlighting the superior entity. The choice depends on what you want to emphasize in your sentence.
What's the difference between "is outperformed" and "is underperforming"?
"Is underperforming" indicates that something isn't meeting expectations, while "is outperformed" implies a direct comparison to something superior. Something can be underperforming without being outperformed, and vice versa.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested