Outsider Meaning

UK /ˈaʊtˌsaɪdə/
US /ˈaʊtˌsaɪdər/
Word Definition
outsider meaning

Outsider Definition & Usage

noun

A person who does not belong to a particular group, community, or society, often because they are from a different background or have different views.

Examples

  • "He always felt like an outsider in the small town, where everyone knew each other."
  • "The artist was an outsider in the world of commercial galleries, preferring to display his work in less conventional spaces."
  • "She was treated like an outsider at the party because she didn’t know anyone."
  • "As a foreigner, he was often seen as an outsider, despite living in the country for years."
  • "The new employee struggled to fit in, feeling like an outsider in a team that had worked together for years."
noun

A person or team that is not considered to be one of the favorites to win or succeed in a particular event.

Examples

  • "The underdog team was considered an outsider in the championship, but they shocked everyone by winning."
  • "As an outsider in the tournament, he wasn't expected to make it past the first round, but he proved everyone wrong."
  • "The race had a clear favorite, but an outsider came in and claimed the gold medal."
  • "The outsider athlete was written off by many, but their performance on the day was impressive."
  • "It was surprising to see the outsider runner finishing in the top five in such a competitive field."
adjective

Describing something or someone who is different from or not part of the mainstream or the norm.

Examples

  • "Her outsider status was clear in the way she dressed and talked."
  • "He took an outsider approach to business, challenging traditional models."
  • "The artist’s outsider perspective gave his paintings a unique, raw feel."
  • "They were an outsider company in a field dominated by giants."
  • "Outsider art often reflects a more raw and unfiltered view of the world."

Cultural Context

The term 'outsider' has been used historically to describe people or groups that are perceived as different or marginalized by a dominant social group. It carries connotations of alienation, non-conformity, and being apart from the norm. In modern contexts, it can describe anyone who doesn't fit into the traditional social or cultural boundaries, whether voluntarily or involuntarily.

The Outsider's Victory

Story

The Outsider's Victory

It was the final night of the annual city marathon, and the atmosphere was electric. Everyone knew the favorites—athletes with sleek uniforms, well-trained bodies, and years of experience under their belts. Then there was Jake. No one really knew him. He wasn't part of the running community, he wasn't a seasoned athlete, and his shoes looked a little too worn. He was an outsider in every sense of the word, but tonight, he was about to change that. The race began with the usual intensity, the favorites pulling ahead in the first few miles, while Jake lingered in the back. The crowd cheered for the usual champions, but there was something different about Jake's steady pace. Slowly, imperceptibly, he started to gain ground. The leaders began to falter, their bodies betraying them after miles of effort. The outsider was still going strong. By the final stretch, the crowd had noticed him. They started to cheer. The favorites were exhausted, their legs heavy, while Jake’s face remained focused. In an incredible twist, he crossed the finish line first. The outsider had done it. Jake's victory stunned everyone, but it wasn't just about winning. It was about proving that sometimes the ones who seem like outsiders—whether in sports, business, or life—can surprise you with their strength, resilience, and ability to overcome expectations. As he stood on the podium, receiving his medal, Jake looked around at the cheering crowd. For the first time, he felt like he belonged. He was no longer just the outsider. He had found his place among the champions.

The Outsider's Victory