Outgunned

Outgunned is an adjective and the past participle of the verb outgun, describing a situation in which one party has less firepower or capability than an opposing party, placing them at a disadvantage in combat or confrontation. The term applies to military, law enforcement, and other contexts where power is measured by weapons, equipment, or force.

In usage, a unit or faction can be described as outgunned when faced with superior artillery, air power, armor, or manpower. It can refer to defenders overwhelmed by attackers, police units outmatched by criminals with heavier weapons, or organizations facing competitors with greater resources. The expression is also used metaphorically to denote disadvantage in resources, technology, or organizational reach.

Etymology and nuance: the term combines out- (surpass or exceed) with gun (firepower or armament). It conveys not just a count of weapons but the overall capacity to project force. The phrase has been common in military journalism and analysis, particularly in discussions of battles, sieges, and engagements where one side cannot match the other's firepower.

Related terms and usage notes: outgun (to surpass in firepower) and outmatched are common alternatives. The concept can appear in discussions of asymmetrical warfare, resource imbalances in competition, or strategic planning where a party seeks to compensate for being outgunned through tactics, technology, or alliances.