Outsized

Outsized is an adjective used to describe something that is larger than the usual or expected, often to emphasize a disproportion relative to a baseline. It is commonly applied to non-physical qualities, such as influence, wealth, or ambition, but can also refer to physical size in some contexts. The term carries a sense of excess or exceptional scale rather than mere magnitude.

The word is formed from the prefix out- meaning beyond, attached to sized. It has been used in English since the 19th century to convey the idea of exceeding normal limits without prescribing a specific threshold.

Outsized tends to appear in formal or evaluative writing. It can be neutral, describing notable extent, or carry a critical nuance when the disproportion suggests impracticality, risk, or bias. Common collocations include outsized influence, outsized profits, outsized expectations, and outsized ambitions.

Because of its strong figurative implication, outsized should be chosen carefully to avoid vague or hyperbolic tone. It often contrasts with normal or typical size and can underscore scale in analyses of policy, markets, or cultural impact.