outstrip capacity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "outstrip capacity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where demand exceeds the available capacity or resources. Example: "The sudden surge in demand for the product caused the company to outstrip capacity, leading to delays in delivery."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 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

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

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 discussing limitations in production, services or systems, use "outstrip capacity" to clearly indicate that demand or needs have exceeded the available resources. For example: "The holiday shopping season caused orders to "outstrip capacity", leading to shipping delays."

Common error

Avoid using "outstrip capacity" when you simply mean that something is 'full' or 'utilized'. "Outstrip capacity" specifically implies that there is excess demand beyond what can be handled, not just that the existing capacity is being used.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "outstrip capacity" primarily functions as a verb phrase followed by a noun, where "outstrip" is a transitive verb and "capacity" is the direct object. Ludwig examples show it describing when demand or other pressures exceed available resources.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

39%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Academia

6%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "outstrip capacity" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe situations where demand or needs exceed available resources. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It is commonly found in news, science, and encyclopedia contexts, indicating its versatile yet somewhat formal nature. While not exceedingly common, it serves a precise purpose and is well-understood. Consider synonyms like "exceed capacity" or "surpass capacity" for similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exceed capacity

Replaces "outstrip" with "exceed", offering a more direct synonym while maintaining the same structure and meaning.

surpass capacity

Similar to "exceed capacity", "surpass" provides another synonym for "outstrip", keeping the meaning nearly identical.

overwhelm capacity

Focuses on the impact of exceeding capacity, suggesting a situation where the resources are not just exceeded but also significantly burdened.

strain capacity

Implies that the capacity is nearing its limit due to high demand or usage, but not necessarily exceeded.

exceed available resources

Broadens the scope from just 'capacity' to all 'available resources', making it applicable in a wider context.

stretch resources beyond limits

Describes a situation where resources are used to the fullest extent, possibly causing stress or compromise in quality.

demand outpaces supply

Shifts the focus to the relationship between 'demand' and 'supply', highlighting the imbalance.

run beyond limitations

It indicates operations surpassing set boundaries

reach maximum capacity

A description of the situation in which all the capacity is taken

overextend capabilities

Indicates that capabilities has been expanded above it´s normal values

FAQs

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

Use "outstrip capacity" to describe situations where demand or need exceeds the available resources or ability to supply. For example, "The hospital's resources were "outstrip capacity" during the flu epidemic".

What can I say instead of "outstrip capacity"?

You can use alternatives like "exceed capacity", "surpass capacity", or "overwhelm capacity" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "outstrip capacity" or "outstrip the capacity"?

"Outstrip capacity" and "outstrip the capacity" are both grammatically correct, although "outstrip capacity" is more concise. Consider the context: "Demand for the product "outstrip capacity"" versus "Demand for the product "outstrip the capacity" of the factory".

What's the difference between "outstrip capacity" and "strain capacity"?

"Outstrip capacity" means that demand or need has exceeded the available resources, while "strain capacity" indicates that the resources are nearing their limit but may not necessarily be fully exceeded. "Outstrip capacity" is a state of being exceeded, while "strain capacity" suggests a state of being stretched or burdened.