excellence

[ek-suh-luhns]

noun

1. the fact or state of excelling; superiority; eminence.

   his excellence in mathematics.

   Synonyms: distinction, transcendence, preeminence

2. an excellent quality or feature.

   Use of herbs is one of the excellences of French cuisine.

   Synonyms: virtue, merit
   Antonyms: inferiority

3. (usually initial capital letter),  excellency.

excellence

/ ˈɛksələns /

noun

1. the state or quality of excelling or being exceptionally good; extreme merit; superiority

2. an action, characteristic, feature, etc, in which a person excels

Other Word Forms

• superexcellence noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of excellence¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin excellentia; equivalent to excel + -ence

Example Sentences

“In our view, America’s leadership in science and innovation depends on independent thinking and open competition for excellence,” Kornbluth wrote.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

"We remain firmly committed to ongoing dialogue as we take the necessary steps to enable us to deliver excellence and continue to be a bold, imaginative and world-leading university."

Read more on BBC

“We can’t wait for CDC to be restored to its previous level of excellence.”

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

This would allow the best in the business to serve their country for a year while also nurturing a culture of excellence.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

“Master this one thing, make sure that you’ve killed it and maintained your standard of excellence and integrity,” she said, “and then go on to capture the next hill.”

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• greatness 
• merit 
• perfection 
• purity 
• quality 
• supremacy 
• virtue