IELTS Speaking · Vocabulary
outsource
verb/ˈaʊtsɔːs/Band 8
Last updated 21 July 2026
In short
“outsource” is a Band 8 verb that means to arrange for work to be done by an outside company rather than in-house. Below you'll find its pronunciation, natural example sentences, synonyms and antonyms, and the collocations that help you use it accurately in the IELTS Speaking test.
Meaning
To arrange for work to be done by an outside company rather than in-house.
Example sentences
Natural, spoken examples at the level an examiner rewards.
- “Many firms outsource their customer service.”
- “Production was outsourced to cut costs.”
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms
contract outsubcontractfarm out
Antonyms
insource
Collocations & common phrases
Word partners that make your usage sound natural — the difference between knowing a word and using it well.
Collocations
outsource productionoutsource jobsoutsource to
Common phrases
outsource work overseas
Related words
Explore more vocabulary
Frequently asked questions
What does “outsource” mean?
To arrange for work to be done by an outside company rather than in-house.
How do you use “outsource” in a sentence?
For example: “Many firms outsource their customer service.”
What are some synonyms for “outsource”?
Synonyms include contract out, subcontract, farm out.
Is “outsource” good vocabulary for IELTS Speaking?
Yes. It is Band 8 vocabulary, and collocations such as outsource production, outsource jobs, outsource to help you use it naturally. Reaching for precise, less common words like this is exactly what lifts your Lexical Resource score.
Next step
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