exceptional
Americanadjective
-
forming an exception or rare instance; unusual; extraordinary.
The warm weather was exceptional for January.
-
unusually excellent; superior.
an exceptional violinist.
-
Education. (of a child)
-
being intellectually gifted.
-
being physically or especially mentally disabled to an extent that special schooling is required.
-
adjective
-
forming an exception; not ordinary
-
having much more than average intelligence, ability, or skill
Synonym Usage
See irregular.
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of exceptional
Explanation
Generally, exceptional is a compliment––"the concert was exceptional" means it was better than what could have been expected. But it can also just mean unusual. "Maria gets to skip gym, but hers is an exceptional case." Exceptional begins with the Latin prefix ex- 'out,' because something exceptional stands out in some way. In certain cases, exceptional can mean under-performing. Children with special educational needs are sometimes referred to in this way, as exceptional or special.
Vocabulary lists containing exceptional
Thumbs Up: Synonyms for "Good"
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Between the World and Me
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Because of Mr. Terupt
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
We got so lucky with such an extraordinary cast, and Marc Munden is an exceptional director.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 9, 2026
The helmets survived in exceptional condition thanks to a combination of sediment and mineral deposits that formed around them underwater.
From Science Daily • Jun. 8, 2026
“The expectation is that…the mare will acquire sprinter-like characteristics that she did not previously have, while maintaining her other exceptional traits,” said Gabriel Vichera, co-founder and chief scientific officer of Kheiron.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 6, 2026
"He is a truly world-class coach and an exceptional leader who has helped shape Ireland as one of the most exciting and consistent teams in the world," said Potts.
From BBC • Jun. 5, 2026
“Josey sounds like a truly exceptional man,” Mim said.
From "Not Nothing" by Gayle Forman
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
