outplace
outplace
Pronunciation
outplace /aʊtˈpleɪs/
out-: /aʊt/ - Consists of the diphthong /aʊ/ (as in "cow") followed by the voiceless alveolar stop /t/.
-place: /pleɪs/ - Consists of the voiceless bilabial stop /p/, the voiced lateral approximant /l/, the diphthong /eɪ/ (as in "day"), and the voiceless alveolar fricative /s/.
Word Form Variations
Verb:
outplace (base form)
outplaces (third-person singular simple present)
outplacing (present participle)
outplaced (simple past, past participle)
Noun:
outplace (singular)
outplaces (plural)
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Verb
Definition 1: To assist an employee who is being terminated or downsized in finding new employment outside of the current company, often through services such as career counseling, resume writing, and job search support.
Synonyms: relocate (in the context of job placement), transition, re-employ (less common, but related)
Antonyms: hire, retain, employ, onboard
Definition 2: To position something, especially a product or service, strategically in a market or location different from its original or intended placement, often to gain a competitive advantage.
Synonyms: reposition, redeploy, redistribute, situate
Antonyms: recall, centralize, consolidate
Noun
Definition 1: The act or process of assisting terminated or downsized employees in finding new jobs elsewhere.
Synonyms: career transition assistance, job placement services, reemployment support
Antonyms: hiring process, recruitment, onboarding
Definition 2: A location or position that is outside of the usual or expected place, often implying a strategic or advantageous relocation.
Synonyms: alternative location, remote site (less common, but can apply), strategic position
Antonyms: main office, headquarters, central hub
Examples of Use
Books:
"The company's decision to outplace a significant portion of its workforce led to a public outcry, despite the generous severance packages offered." (From a fictional business novel exploring corporate restructuring)
"Chapter 7: The Art of the Outplace: Guiding Employees Through Career Transition" (From a non-fiction HR management textbook)
Newspapers:
"Tech giant announces plans to outplace 500 employees as part of a restructuring effort, citing a shift in market strategy." (Associated Press, recent business news article)
"Local manufacturing plant to outplace a quarter of its staff, sparking concerns about the regional economy." (Local community newspaper, front-page headline)
Online Publications:
"When to Outplace vs. Internally Reassign: A Strategic Guide for HR Professionals." (Harvard Business Review Online, article title)
"Is your company ready to outplace employees effectively? Learn best practices for a smooth transition." (Forbes.com, article snippet)
"The demand for skilled workers in the green energy sector is creating new opportunities for those being outplaced from traditional industries." (Sustainable Business Journal online, editorial)
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Television Series (Drama): "After the merger, the CEO knew he'd have to outplace some of the redundant executives, a difficult but necessary decision." (Dialogue from a corporate drama, e.g., "Succession" or "Billions"-esque)
Documentary (Business/Economy): "This segment explores the rise of the outplace industry, a booming sector dedicated to helping displaced workers find new opportunities." (Narrator's voice-over in a documentary on labor markets)
Podcast (Career Advice): "Today, we're talking about managing career transitions, particularly when you're being outplaced. How do you leverage those resources?" (Podcast host's introduction)
General Public Discourse:
"My brother's company is going through a big layoff, and they're offering really good outplace services, which is a relief." (Casual conversation between friends)
"I heard they had to outplace a lot of people after the department was dissolved. It's tough, but at least they're getting help." (Discussion among former colleagues)
"The union is negotiating for better outplace packages for their members in case of future automation." (Comment in a community forum discussing labor relations)
10 Famous Quotes Using Outplace
"The first rule of management is delegation, the second is to outplace yourself." (A play on management principles, suggesting strategic delegation or even moving beyond a role)
"In the dance of disruption, those who can gracefully outplace themselves find new stages." (Metaphorical, suggesting adaptability in changing environments)
"We believe in helping our people, even if that means helping them outplace themselves into better opportunities elsewhere." (Lesser-known, attributed to a progressive HR manager in an internal company memo)
"Innovation often requires us to outplace old ideas to make room for the new." (Metaphorical, referring to intellectual displacement)
"A true leader sometimes has to make the tough decision to outplace resources for the greater good of the organization." (Original quote, emphasizing strategic resource allocation)
"When the market shifts, a smart business will outplace its products to meet new demands." (Metaphorical/synonymous, referring to repositioning products)
"Our commitment extends beyond employment; we strive to outplace our departing colleagues with dignity and support." (Lesser-known, from a corporate social responsibility report)
"To truly grow, sometimes you must outplace your comfort zone." (Metaphorical, encouraging personal development)
"The most successful companies often excel not just at hiring, but also at the humane process of how they outplace employees." (Original quote, highlighting ethical offboarding)
"History shows us that empires often begin to crumble when they can no longer effectively outplace their challenges." (Metaphorical, referring to inability to manage or shift problems externally)
Etymology
The word "outplace" is a relatively modern term, particularly in its most common business sense. It's built from two simpler, older English words: "out" and "place."
"Out-": This prefix has been around in English for a very long time, stemming from Old English. It generally means "away from," "outside," "beyond," or "to exceed." Think of words like "outside," "outgrow," or "outcome."
"Place": This word also has deep roots, coming into English from Old French and ultimately from Latin "platea" (meaning a broad way or public place). It refers to a specific spot, position, or area.
When you put "out" and "place" together, the core idea is about moving something out of its current place or putting it beyond a certain place.
The first known uses of "outplace" in a sense similar to its current meaning emerged in the mid-20th century, specifically around the 1960s. Its primary use quickly became associated with the business and human resources world.
First Known Meaning and Use:
The earliest and most prominent meaning of "outplace" was (and largely remains) to help someone find a job outside of their current company, especially after they've been laid off or their position has been eliminated. It's about assisting them in transitioning out of one workplace and into another. This concept became more prevalent as companies began offering support services to employees facing job loss, rather than simply letting them go. It's essentially a more formal and supportive way of saying "to help someone get a job elsewhere."
Phrases + Idioms Containing Outplace
Lesser-Known / Original Phrases Using "Outplace":
To outplace talent: To help skilled employees find new positions.
Outplace services: Referring to the offerings provided to assist terminated employees.
The outplace strategy: The plan a company uses for employee transitions.
Successfully outplace: To effectively help someone secure a new job.
Outplace an individual/team: To provide transition support to a specific person or group.
To outplace a product: (Metaphorical) To strategically reposition a product in the market.
An outplace firm: A company specializing in career transition services.
Idioms with Synonyms for Similar Effect:
These idioms use words like "move on," "transition," "reposition," or "shift" to convey a similar idea of changing one's position or location, often with the implication of moving elsewhere.
To move on to greener pastures: To leave a current job or situation for a better one. (Similar to an employee being outplaced to a better opportunity)
To set up shop elsewhere: To establish a business or presence in a new location. (Similar to strategically outplacing a product or service)
To turn over a new leaf: To make a fresh start or change one's behavior. (Can relate to the fresh start an outplaced individual makes)
To start from scratch: To begin something new without any prior preparation or advantage. (Relates to the challenge an outplaced person might face in a new job search)
To bridge the gap: To connect two different things or overcome a difficulty. (Relates to outplacement services helping bridge the gap between unemployment and new employment)
To clear the decks: To prepare for new activity by removing obstacles or unnecessary things. (Can metaphorically relate to a company's process before outplacing employees)
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of outplace from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
