exceptional
Americanadjective
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forming an exception or rare instance; unusual; extraordinary.
The warm weather was exceptional for January.
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unusually excellent; superior.
an exceptional violinist.
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Education. (of a child)
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being intellectually gifted.
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being physically or especially mentally disabled to an extent that special schooling is required.
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adjective
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forming an exception; not ordinary
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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"
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Between the World and Me
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Because of Mr. Terupt
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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.
Exceptional growth used to eventually revert, generally within five to seven years.
From Barron's • Dec. 26, 2025
Exceptional performers play a major role in driving innovation and tackling some of the world's most urgent challenges.
From Science Daily • Dec. 21, 2025
Exceptional piece of fielding by Baig, it was clean, goalkeeper style, if you want to know how they are going to turn it around, it’s like this, first ball after drinks break.
From BBC • May 16, 2024
Exceptional drought is reserved for the 2nd percentile and below, meaning only one or two years out of 100 sampled have ever been as dry, Fuchs said.
From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 7, 2023
She looks at it, and when she turns it over, I read the front: The Academy for Exceptional Students.
From "Marcus Vega Doesn't Speak Spanish" by Pablo Cartaya
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.
