exceptionalism

American  

[ik-sep-shuh-nl-iz-uhm] / ɪkˈsɛp ʃə nlˌɪz əm /

noun

1. the condition of being exceptional; uniqueness.

2. the study of the unique and exceptional.

3. a theory that a nation, region, or political system is exceptional and does not conform to the norm.

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exceptionalism British  

/ ɪkˈsɛpʃənəlɪzəm /

noun

1. an attitude to other countries, cultures, etc based on the idea of being quite distinct from, and often superior to, them in vital ways

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Etymology

Origin of exceptionalism

First recorded in 1925–30; exceptional ( def. ) + -ism ( def. )

Example Sentences

“Our forecasts for 2026 point to a return of U.S. exceptionalism this year,” Goltermann added, referring to the belief that the U.S. has a distinctive advantage over its peers and that benefits its equity market and the dollar, the world’s reserve currency.

From Barron's

The dollar’s strength over the past decade was propelled in large part by American exceptionalism, or the outperformance of the U.S. economy and markets compared to the rest of the developed world.

From The Wall Street Journal

That leads him to believe that U.S. exceptionalism has run its course, now that the S&P 500 is no longer outperforming gold, and that an ideal 2026 portfolio will look different than those of years’ past.

From Barron's

Exceptionalism, in that sense, was responsibility.

From Barron's

The museum is inclusive, balancing the experience of all groups in the nation while stressing American progress, unity and exceptionalism.

From The Wall Street Journal