Outsource

/ˈaʊtˌsɔːrs/ verb

Definition

To outsource is to pay another company or person, often in a different location, to do work that your own organization used to do itself.

Etymology

Formed in the mid‑20th century from “out” and “source,” originally in business and manufacturing. It reflects the idea of moving the ‘source’ of labor or services outside the company.

Kelly Says

Outsourcing quietly shapes your life: customer support, clothing, even homework help can be outsourced. It shows how the ‘place’ where work happens has become flexible, even invisible, in a global economy.

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