outstrip capacities

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "outstrip capacities" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something exceeds or surpasses the available capabilities or limits. Example: "The rapid growth of the population may outstrip capacities of the current infrastructure, leading to significant challenges."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

Formal & Business

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Reference

Social Media

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

If the demand for vinyl continues to increase, what will happen when the orders begin to outstrip capacity?

The Guardian - Music

Their broad aim is to ensure that total demand does not outstrip capacity, since this will push up inflation.

The Economist

Although Malaysia's transportation systems improved considerably in the second half of the 20th century, demand generally has continued to outstrip capacity.

Britannica

When demand starts to outstrip capacity something needs to be done.

BBC

As mentioned earlier, however, the prevalence rates of the populations studied may differ, particularly as prevalence estimates are age dependent, since some children might not clearly manifest the full range of ASD symptoms until social demands outstrip capacity, as recognised by the new DSM-5 diagnostic criteria [ 101].

European Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

A lengthy risk assessment focused exclusively on technical and procedural risks (such as "inadequate specification of requirement by NHS," "information governance and data security requirements [may] change," and even that uptake of HealthSpace accounts would outstrip capacity to process applications 40).

British Medical Journal

So sustained growth of 3% will start to push up inflation in the second half of 2003 as production outstrips capacity.

The Economist

Dr Chaand Nagpaul, chair of the BMA's GPs committee, said: "It is clear that incredible pressures on GP services are at the heart of this problem, with escalating demand having far outstripped capacity.

The Guardian

Effective triage is required when demand for medical care outstrips capacity, as has become commonplace in the emergency department (ED) due to overcrowding, now recognized as a major threat to patient safety and quality care across the globe [2 5].

International Journal of Emergency Medicine

In Canada, demand for multidisciplinary bariatric (obesity) care far outstrips capacity.

BMC Health Services Research

However, current demand for surgery in Canada outstrips capacity by at least 1000-fold, causing exponential increases in already protracted, multi-year wait-times.

BMC Health Services Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "outstrip capacities", clearly define what capacities you are referring to. This adds clarity and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "outstrip capacities" when the increase is marginal. This phrase implies a significant and problematic level of exceeding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "outstrip capacities" functions as a verb phrase indicating that one thing exceeds the limits or capabilities of another. It is often used to highlight a problem or challenge caused by this imbalance. The Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in English.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "outstrip capacities" is a grammatically sound and understandable way to describe a situation where one thing exceeds the limits or capabilities of another. While Ludwig confirms its correctness, no direct examples were found in the search data. The phrase is generally used in neutral to formal contexts, making it suitable for news, academic, and professional writing. When using this phrase, it's important to clearly define the capacities being exceeded to avoid ambiguity. Common alternatives include "exceed capabilities" and "surpass limits".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exceed capabilities

Replaces "outstrip" with "exceed", focusing on surpassing a limit.

surpass limits

Uses "surpass" instead of "outstrip", emphasizing going beyond established boundaries.

overwhelm resources

Focuses on the impact on resources, indicating they are insufficient.

strain resources

Similar to "overwhelm resources" but implies pressure rather than complete exhaustion.

stretch beyond limits

Emphasizes the act of extending something beyond its intended capacity.

exceed the maximum

A more explicit way of saying something goes over the highest allowable amount.

go beyond the pale

An idiomatic expression meaning to exceed what is considered acceptable or reasonable.

overshoot capabilities

Implies an unintended or miscalculated exceeding of capacity.

become unsustainable

Focuses on the resulting state of being unable to maintain the current level of activity.

reach a breaking point

Highlights the moment when the capacity is completely exhausted, leading to failure.

FAQs

How can I use "outstrip capacities" in a sentence?

You can use "outstrip capacities" to describe situations where demand, growth, or another factor exceeds the available resources or capabilities. For example, "The demand for healthcare services began to outstrip the capacities of local hospitals".

What are some alternatives to "outstrip capacities"?

Some alternatives include "exceed capabilities", "surpass limits", or "overwhelm resources", depending on the context.

Is it better to use "outstrip capacity" or "exceed capacity"?

Both "outstrip capacity" and "exceed capacity" are grammatically correct and can be used interchangeably. The choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

What does it mean when demand "outstrips capacities"?

When demand "outstrips capacities", it signifies that there are not enough resources, infrastructure, or personnel to meet the current level of demand. This can lead to shortages, delays, and decreased quality.