exceptional

[ik-sep-shuh-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.

exceptional

/ ɪkˈsɛpʃənəl /

adjective

1. forming an exception; not ordinary

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

Other Word Forms

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of exceptional¹

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

Synonym Study

See irregular.

Example Sentences

Edward, once perceived as exceptional, is now a dangerous monster.

Read more on Salon

As a result, it uses light energy with exceptional efficiency.

Read more on Science Daily

Brandl adds: "No one really expected to find a hydrothermal field here, let alone one that is so exceptional."

Read more on Science Daily

The standard punishment for a red card for violent conduct is a three-match ban, but if the FA thinks that a dismissal offence is "truly exceptional" it can seek to increase the punishment.

Read more on BBC

"I take full responsibility, still I think the players that started were exceptional players but we missed something needed at the highest level," Guardiola said.

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

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