To outdo is to act, behave, or perform in a manner that is better than in the past.
simple
past
past participle
outdo
outdid
outdone
Walter and Gabriel are always trying to outdo each other.
Simone hopes to outdo her last performance.
Jeff really outdid himself with his guitar solo. It was brilliant.
We outdo the competition at every level. (Likely to be said by a business in reference to other businesses with which it competes.)
Our team hopes it will not be outdone by the other teams leading up to the championship games.
Our students outdid themselves once again with their high test scores.
She really outdid herself with that great performance.
The word "outdo" is often used in a sarcastic manner when a person’s performance or behavior is below expectations. The following examples express disappointment or unhappiness in what someone has done:
You’ve really outdone yourself. (You did something bad.)
It’s hard to believe that he outdid himself once again. (He did something bad.)
Just when we thought they couldn’t possibly outdo themselves, they go ahead and do it. (They did something was very bad.)