Outstanding vs. Excellent — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Maham Liaqat — Updated on March 7, 2024
Outstanding signifies a level of performance or quality that stands apart from the norm, while excellent denotes a very high standard but within the expected range of excellence.
Difference Between Outstanding and Excellent
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Outstanding is often used to describe something that is exceptionally good or superior, clearly noticeable for its excellence, often surpassing set expectations. Whereas excellent refers to a very high degree of quality or merit, it implies something is done exceptionally well within the known standards of excellence, without necessarily being unprecedented or unique.
Outstanding achievements or performances are those that go above and beyond what is typically observed or expected. They are remarkable and distinguished from the rest. On the other hand, excellent achievements are also highly commendable but might not carry the same level of distinction or rarity as outstanding ones.
Evaluating work, products, or performances, outstanding can imply a level of recognition that is more challenging to achieve than excellent. This distinction suggests that while many can achieve excellence, fewer reach a status that is considered outstanding.
In academic or professional settings, an outstanding rating might be reserved for the top percentile that clearly surpasses peers, whereas an excellent rating could be more broadly awarded to those demonstrating high competency and mastery.
In subjective assessments, what one may consider outstanding, another might simply see as excellent. This variance highlights the relative nature of both terms, with outstanding often carrying a more exclusive or singular connotation.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Signifies surpassing others in some respect
Denotes high quality, above average but not necessarily the highest
Connotation
Exceptional, beyond usual standards
Very good, but within expectations of high standards
Rarity
More rare, denotes a clearer distinction from peers
Commonly found within top performers or products
Contextual Usage
Often used when something surpasses expectations
Used for high-quality achievements within expected ranges
Achievement Level
Implies a level of achievement beyond excellence
Indicates a very high level of achievement, but not necessarily unique
Compare with Definitions
Outstanding
Exceptionally good.
The student's outstanding performance set a new school record.
Excellent
Very good of its kind.
The chef prepared an excellent meal that delighted all guests.
Outstanding
Standing apart from others due to excellence.
His outstanding leadership skills were evident to all.
Excellent
Of high or superior quality.
The craftsmanship of the vase is excellent.
Outstanding
Clearly noticeable.
The outstanding quality of the craftsmanship attracted many buyers.
Excellent
Highly commendable.
She received excellent marks in all her courses.
Outstanding
Not yet settled or resolved.
There are still outstanding issues that need to be addressed.
Excellent
Reflecting a high degree of merit.
His excellent understanding of the subject impressed the panel.
Outstanding
Markedly superior.
Her outstanding contributions to the field were recognized with an award.
Excellent
Superior in quality.
The company is known for its excellent customer service.
Outstanding
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Excellent
Extremely good; outstanding
Their results are excellent
The lorry was in excellent condition
Outstanding
Exceptionally good
The team's outstanding performance
Excellent
Used to indicate approval or pleasure
‘What a lovely idea! Excellent!’
Outstanding
Not yet paid, resolved, or dealt with
Julian's outstanding debts
Much of the work is still outstanding
Excellent
Of the highest or finest quality; exceptionally good for its kind
Enjoyed an excellent meal at the restaurant.
Outstanding
Excellent or exceptionally good
An outstanding essay that received an A+.
Excellent
(Archaic) Being so to an extreme degree.
Outstanding
Noticeable or conspicuous
"Thiamine deficiency alone generally produces peripheral neuritis and numbness as its most outstanding features" (Vernon H. Mark).
Excellent
Having excelled, having surpassed.
Outstanding
Still in existence; not settled or resolved
Outstanding debts.
A long outstanding problem.
Excellent
Of higher or the highest quality; splendid.
Outstanding
Publicly issued and sold
Outstanding shares of stock.
Excellent
Exceptionally good of its kind.
Outstanding
Present participle of outstand
Excellent
Superior in kind or degree, irrespective of moral quality.
Outstanding
Prominent or noticeable; standing out from others.
Excellent
(obsolete) Excellently.
Outstanding
Exceptionally good; distinguished from others by its superiority.
Excellent
Excelling; surpassing others in some good quality or the sum of qualities; of great worth; eminent, in a good sense; superior; as, an excellent man, artist, citizen, husband, discourse, book, song, etc.; excellent breeding, principles, aims, action.
To love . . . What I see excellent in good or fair.
Outstanding
Projecting outwards.
Excellent
Superior in kind or degree, irrespective of moral quality; - used with words of a bad significance.
Their sorrows are most excellent.
Outstanding
Unresolved; not settled or finished.
Excellent
Excellently; eminently; exceedingly.
Outstanding
Owed as a debt.
Excellent
Of the highest quality;
Made an excellent speech
The school has excellent teachers
A first-class mind
Outstanding
That stands out; undischarged; uncollected; not paid; as, outstanding obligations.
Revenues . . . as well outstanding as collected.
Outstanding
Conspicuously excellent; markedly superior; distinguished.
Outstanding
So prominent so as to attract notice; conspicuous; usually but not always in a good sense.
Outstanding
Distinguished from others in excellence;
Did outstanding work in human relations
An outstanding war record
Outstanding
Having a quality that thrusts itself into attention;
An outstanding fact of our time is that nations poisoned by anti semitism proved less fortunate in regard to their own freedom
A new theory is the most prominent feature of the book
Salient traits
A spectacular rise in prices
A striking thing about Picadilly Circus is the statue of Eros in the center
A striking resemblance between parent and child
Outstanding
Of major significance or importance;
A great work of art
Einstein was one of the outstanding figures of the 20th century
Outstanding
Owed as a debt;
Outstanding bills
The amount still owed
Undischarged debts
Common Curiosities
What makes something outstanding rather than excellent?
Outstanding refers to a level of quality or achievement that significantly surpasses the norm, whereas excellent is very high quality within expected standards.
Can an everyday item be considered outstanding?
While more commonly applied to notable achievements, an everyday item can be considered outstanding if it surpasses usual quality standards significantly.
Can a product be both excellent and outstanding?
Yes, a product can be both if it achieves a very high standard (excellent) and also surpasses comparative standards significantly (outstanding).
How do I know if something is outstanding or excellent?
This often depends on context and comparison to established standards; outstanding exceeds these significantly, while excellent meets them very well.
Can a student be both outstanding and excellent?
A student can be considered both if they achieve high marks (excellent) and surpass peers in notable ways (outstanding).
Is outstanding better than excellent?
In terms of distinction or rarity, outstanding is often considered a step above excellent.
Is it subjective to call something outstanding or excellent?
While there are subjective elements, these terms also rely on comparative standards and expectations.
Do industries have different standards for what constitutes outstanding vs. excellent?
Yes, standards can vary by industry, with each setting its own criteria for what is considered outstanding or excellent.
Are there specific criteria for labeling something as outstanding?
Criteria can vary, but it generally involves surpassing the norm or expectations significantly.
Does outstanding always imply a comparison?
Yes, outstanding often implies a performance or quality that stands out compared to others.
Can feedback be both excellent and outstanding?
Feedback can be considered both if it is very helpful (excellent) and uniquely insightful or impactful (outstanding).
How do cultural perceptions affect what is considered outstanding or excellent?
Cultural values and norms can influence the standards by which something is judged as outstanding or excellent.
Can the distinction between outstanding and excellent change over time?
Yes, as standards and expectations evolve, what is considered outstanding or excellent can also change.
Is outstanding more rare than excellent?
Yes, outstanding achievements are typically more rare and harder to achieve than excellent ones.
Can one's performance go from excellent to outstanding?
Yes, by surpassing existing standards and expectations significantly.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
