outwork

Outwork is a term with two related senses. As a noun, it denotes work subcontracted to be performed by workers at their own premises or away from the principal workshop, forming part of a larger production chain. As a verb, outwork means to perform more or higher-quality work than someone else; to outwork someone. The word derives from the combination of out- and work.

Historically, outwork was central to the putting-out system or cottage industry, especially in textiles, lace, shoes, and clothing. Merchants would supply raw materials to artisans in rural or urban homes, who completed pieces and returned them for further processing or sale. This arrangement provided flexible labor and lower capital requirements but could entail long hours, irregular pay, and variable quality. In some jurisdictions, reforms aimed to protect home-based workers and regulate subcontracting.

In modern usage, outwork is far more common as a verb in phrases like “to outwork a rival.” The noun form is now rare outside historical discussion. By contrast, outsourcing refers to contracting tasks to external organizations, often with formal agreements and oversight. Outwork emphasizes the setting or method—work performed away from the primary workplace—whereas outsourcing emphasizes organizational boundaries.

See also: putting-out system; cottage industry; subcontracting; outsourcing; home-based work; gig economy.