unprecedented

[ uhn-pres-i-den-tid ]

adjective

1. without previous instance; never before known or experienced; unexampled or unparalleled:

   an unprecedented event.

   Synonyms: novel, exceptional, extraordinary, unique

unprecedented

/ ʌnˈprɛsɪˌdɛntɪd /

adjective

1. having no precedent; unparalleled

Derived Forms

• unˈpreceˌdentedly, adverb

Other Words From

• un·prece·dented·ly adverb
• un·prece·dented·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of unprecedented¹

First recorded in 1615–25; un- ¹ + precedent + -ed ²

Example Sentences

Global coordination on the scale eradication would demand was unprecedented.

From Vox

Instead of coming together to do that, the Democrats are choosing to raise the temperature by taking the unprecedented step to further their partisan power grab regarding the committee assignments of the other party.

From Vox

The unprecedented move came as the United States was distracted by the Senate runoffs in Georgia and then the riot.

From Washington Post

It was his fifth straight 1,000-yard season, an unprecedented streak for a tight end.

From Washington Post

Democrats acknowledged the unprecedented nature of the move but said it was necessary given the nature of Greene’s conduct.

From Washington Post

The number of dissenters though is unprecedented in the modern era.

From The Daily Beast

We won an unprecedented pardon from then-President Karzai, and Gulnaz was freed.

From The Daily Beast

“Today, we are before a heinous crime the likes of which are unprecedented in our safe country,” he said.

From The Daily Beast

So to hear such fervent anti-Ortega sentiment from previously devoted campesinos and compañeros is unprecedented.

From The Daily Beast

Instead, he barely pushed the jurors to charge the cop and allowed the unprecedented step of letting the officer testify.

From The Daily Beast

“Flood”—Cleveland vetoed an unprecedented number of bills during his term.

From Project Gutenberg

But the Transient Car bill, as it came to be called, began mysteriously to attract unprecedented attention.

From Project Gutenberg

At his instigation a persecution of unprecedented virulence raged like an epidemic throughout the empire.

From Project Gutenberg

This was effected by caissons with air chambers and air locks, a feat unprecedented in the annals of engineering.

From Project Gutenberg

The nation has, since the last harvest, been fed by foreigners to an unprecedented extent.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• bizarre
• extraordinary
• fantastic
• miraculous
• new
• remarkable
• singular
• uncommon
• unheard-of
• unique
• unparalleled
• unrivaled
• unusual