exceptional

American  

[ik-sep-shuh-nl] / ɪkˈsɛp ʃə nl /

adjective

1. forming an exception or rare instance; unusual; extraordinary.

   The warm weather was exceptional for January.

   Synonyms:

   anomalous, aberrant, unnatural, strange, singular, uncommon

2. unusually excellent; superior.

   an exceptional violinist.

   Antonyms:

   ordinary, average

3. Education. (of a child)

   1. being intellectually gifted.

   2. being physically or especially mentally disabled to an extent that special schooling is required.

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exceptional British  

/ ɪkˈsɛpʃənəl /

adjective

1. forming an exception; not ordinary

2. having much more than average intelligence, ability, or skill

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Related Words

See irregular.

Other Word Forms

• exceptionality noun
• exceptionally adverb
• exceptionalness noun
• nonexceptional adjective
• preexceptional adjective
• quasi-exceptional adjective
• superexceptional adjective

Etymology

Origin of exceptional

First recorded in 1840–50; exception + -al ¹

Example Sentences

After enjoying exceptional tax-deferred growth over the past decade, many retirees now view their individual retirement accounts as tax time bombs.

From Barron's

Williams’ words in December about Dalman’s exceptional brain, however, were followed by something less prophetic.

From Los Angeles Times

She described her as a "loving, active and devoted family woman" who was a "fantastic wife", a "wonderful mother" and an "exceptional grandmother" to her four grandchildren.

From BBC

“We are doing both. We are doubling down on exceptional talent and doubling down on world-class AI tools because the combination is what wins.”

From The Wall Street Journal

Mr. Mulla’s chronicle of the yearslong drama adds up to an exceptional feat of investigative research.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• extraordinary
• notable
• noteworthy
• odd
• phenomenal
• rare
• remarkable
• singular
• special
• strange
• uncommon
• unheard-of
• unique
• unprecedented
• unusual