outsider

/ˌˈaʊtˌˈsaɪdər/

/ˈaʊtsaɪdə/

Other forms: outsiders

An outsider is a stranger — someone who doesn't fit in, or someone who observes a group from afar. An outsider stands outside the group, looking in.

If you go through high school without belonging to any particular group — you're not a jock, a nerd, or an artist, for example — you might feel like an outsider. Having a brand new job can also put you in the position of being an outsider, especially if you have no experience in the profession. To an outsider, the way a busy restaurant works might seem chaotic and random, for example. To an insider, on the other hand, it might all make perfect sense.

Definitions of outsider

1. noun

   someone who is excluded from or is not a member of a group
   synonyms: foreigner

   types:

   transalpine

   one living on or coming from the other side of the Alps from Italy

   type of:

   alien, stranger, unknown

   anyone who does not belong in the environment in which they are found
2. noun

   a contestant (human or animal) not considered to have a good chance to win
   type of:

   contestant

   a person who participates in competitions