What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
outstanding
Example
The team's performance was outstanding, and they won the championship. [outstanding: adjective]
Example
She is an outstanding athlete, having won multiple medals at the Olympics. [outstanding: adjective]
Example
He still has an outstanding balance on his credit card. [outstanding: adjective]
excellent
Example
The food at this restaurant is excellent, and I highly recommend it. [excellent: adjective]
Example
She is an excellent musician, and her performances are always well-received. [excellent: adjective]
Example
We had an excellent time at the beach, and the weather was perfect. [excellent: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Excellent is more commonly used than outstanding in everyday language. Excellent is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while outstanding is less common and may have a more formal or serious connotation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between outstanding and excellent?
Outstanding can have a more formal or serious connotation, while excellent is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
