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exceptionality

American  
[ik-sep-shuh-nal-i-tee] / ɪkˌsɛp ʃəˈnæl ɪ ti /

noun

  1. the state or condition of being exceptional, rare, one of a kind, or unusually excellent.

    A few academic outsiders have been helpful sources of insight into new media and culture, but they are significant by virtue of their exceptionality, not their typicality.

    Moviegoers cannot help but appreciate the exceptionality of the artisan's skills, honed by decades of absolute dedication.

  2. Education. the condition of requiring special schooling for reasons of intellectual giftedness or physical or mental disability.

    A range of articles on the website explore the ‘dual exceptionality’ paradox of gifted students who have specific learning disabilities.


Etymology

Origin of exceptionality

exceptional ( def. ) + -ity ( def. )

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.

See Examples For:

Previously, he’s required that hiring managers prove an applicant’s exceptionality, prompting managers to try various methods, including asking for applicants’ SAT scores.

From Seattle Times Jan. 18, 2023

This scene was horrific for both its regularity and its exceptionality.

From Scientific American Jan. 6, 2023

Only when I was much older and looking at the world through a more critical lens did I notice Uhura's and Nichols' elegant exceptionality in the TV universe.

From Salon Aug. 4, 2022

“We must put an end to the exceptionality: COVID-19 must be treated like other diseases.”

From Washington Post Feb. 3, 2022

But what was it about the stubbornness of hope, the need to believe in your own exceptionality, that these things happened to other people whose friends were not like yours?

From "Americanah" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

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