outstrip expectations

USAGE SUMMARY

"outstrip expectations" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used when something has gone beyond the expected norm, and is more often used in a positive context. For example: "The success of the new venture exceeded all expectations and outstripped expectations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

If visionary engineering projects outstrip expectations (as solar has, something even Barack Obama noted on Tuesday), they could overthrow the current models.

The Guardian

I think I am a lot better at the craft of standup, but the counter of that is that it's harder to impress people; although I keep doing weird fringe projects to outstrip expectations.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Although a playoff spot is far from secure, the Rockets are one team that has managed to outstrip preseason expectations.

The New York Times

Click here to view Let It Go video Critics are often accused of overthinking mainstream hits, but the songs that outstrip all expectations (Disney didn't anticipate that Menzel's original would eclipse Demi Lovato's tamer pop version) always demand a closer look.

The Guardian - Music

If the IT industry gets 5% growth in sales, it will outstrip most expectations.

Forbes

Fallada far outstripped his expectations.

The Guardian - Books

Josh Gordon and Jordan Cameron, whose statistics I noted above, both outstripped all expectations against Minnesota.

The Guardian - Sport

The results outstripped all expectations, with international tourist arrivals increasing by 185% and spending growing by 503%.

The Guardian - Travel

They are a good 90 minutes away from being in the quarter-finals and, as has been the case since Redknapp took over, they are outstripping all expectations.

Independent

England outstripped all expectations to reach the final of the competition and come within a few balls of lifting the trophy.

The Guardian - Sport

The company on Friday reported a 13percentt jump in first quarter profits, outstripping the expectations of analysts as well as its own forecasts.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "outstrip expectations" when you want to emphasize that something not only met but significantly exceeded what was predicted or hoped for. It adds a layer of surprise and notable achievement to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "outstrip expectations" when the achievement is only marginally better than expected. This phrase implies a considerable difference, not a negligible one.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "outstrip expectations" typically functions as a verb phrase that describes the action of exceeding or surpassing anticipated results or performance. As Ludwig AI shows, it indicates a level of achievement that goes beyond what was initially predicted or hoped for.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "outstrip expectations" is a grammatically correct and useful expression to describe surpassing anticipated outcomes. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's most commonly found in News & Media. While similar phrases exist, "outstrip" suggests a notable degree of exceeding expectations. Use this phrase to highlight accomplishments that go significantly beyond forecasts. Remember to avoid overusing the expression when the actual overachievement is minimal. Choose an alternative with a lower magnitude (e.g. "exceed expectations").

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exceed expectations

This alternative is a direct synonym, focusing on the act of surpassing a set anticipation.

surpass expectations

Similar to "exceed expectations", this alternative highlights the act of going beyond what was predicted.

overcome expectations

This suggests a hurdle was cleared in achieving the unexpected result.

go beyond expectations

Implies a journey or progress that extends further than initially thought.

better than expected

A more straightforward way to state that results were more positive than anticipated.

beat expectations

Suggests a competitive scenario where the anticipated outcome was defeated.

top expectations

Similar to surpass, but emphasizes reaching the highest point beyond what was expected.

rise above expectations

Conveys the sense of overcoming limitations to perform better.

outdo predictions

Focuses on surpassing a formal forecast or prediction.

prove better than anticipated

Highlights the idea of demonstrating a higher level of performance than was initially believed.

FAQs

What does "outstrip expectations" mean?

The phrase "outstrip expectations" means that something has performed or resulted in a way that significantly exceeds what was anticipated or predicted.

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

You can use "outstrip expectations" to describe a performance, result, or achievement that has gone beyond what was initially thought possible. For example: "The company's profits for the quarter "exceeded expectations" and outstripped even the most optimistic forecasts."

What are some alternatives to "outstrip expectations"?

Some alternatives to "outstrip expectations" include "exceed expectations", "surpass expectations", or "go beyond expectations". These all convey the idea of exceeding a set level of anticipation.

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

"Outstrip expectations" suggests a more significant degree of exceeding expectations compared to simply "exceed expectations". The choice depends on the magnitude by which something has surpassed what was anticipated. If the difference is considerable, "outstrip expectations" might be more appropriate.