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Outsourcing

UK //ˈaʊtsaʊsɪŋ// US //ˈaʊtsaʊsərɪŋ// Pronunciation

Definition

The practice of obtaining goods or services from an outside source.

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In simple words: Hiring another company to do work instead of doing it yourself.

Examples

• The company is considering outsourcing its IT support.
• Outsourcing can help reduce operational costs significantly.
• Many businesses rely on outsourcing to manage their customer service.
• Outsourcing manufacturing to other countries is common in the industry.
• She argued that outsourcing jobs was harmful to the local economy.

Usage notes

Used in business contexts. Appropriate in discussions about cost-saving strategies. Avoid in casual conversations.

Grammar pattern

verb + outsourcing

Memory hint

Outsource sounds like 'out-source' - think of sending work outside your company.

Collocations

• business outsourcing
• outsourcing jobs
• global outsourcing
• outsourcing strategy
• IT outsourcing

Synonyms

• contracting
• subcontracting
• offshoring
• delegating
• externalizing

Common mistakes

• Confusing it with 'insourcing', which is the opposite.
• Using it as a noun without an appropriate verb.
• Believing it only refers to manufacturing jobs.