extraordinary

[ik-strawr-dn-er-ee, ek-struh-awr-]

adjective

1. beyond what is usual, ordinary, regular, or established.

   extraordinary costs.

   Synonyms: inordinate
   Antonyms: usual, common

2. exceptional in character, amount, extent, degree, etc.; noteworthy; remarkable.

   extraordinary speed;

   an extraordinary man.

   Synonyms: signal, special, phenomenal, rare, singular, uncommon
   Antonyms: usual, common

3. (of an official, employee, etc.) outside of or additional to the ordinary staff; having a special, often temporary task or responsibility.

   minister extraordinary and plenipotentiary.

extraordinary

/ ɪkˈstrɔːdənrɪ, -dənərɪ /

adjective

1. very unusual, remarkable, or surprising

2. not in an established manner, course, or order

3. employed for particular events or purposes

4. (usually postpositive) (of an official, etc) additional or subordinate to the usual one

   a minister extraordinary

Other Word Forms

• extraordinarily adverb
• extraordinariness noun
• unextraordinary adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of extraordinary¹

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English extraordinarie, from Latin extrāordinārius “beyond ordinary,” equivalent to extra- + ordinary

Word History and Origins

Origin of extraordinary¹

C15: from Latin extraordinārius beyond what is usual; see _ordinary

Example Sentences

Norris's admission has created an extraordinary situation: he is seeking to be released from a prison sentence for a crime he admits carrying out, while most of those responsible have never been held to account.

From BBC

It authorizes the president to “deal with any unusual or extraordinary threat ... to the national security, foreign policy or economy of the United States.”

From Los Angeles Times

"A lot of these comedians have been huge defenders of free speech, and to go and perform in Saudi Arabia, where free speech is so heavily curtailed, is extraordinary. It's morally repugnant."

From BBC

"Even in this valley of deepest sorrow, we have been upheld by extraordinary courage and kindness from so many."

From BBC

Sure, the collective bargaining agreement is about to expire and negotiations could cripple the league’s extraordinary popularity.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• amazing 
• bizarre 
• curious 
• exceptional 
• fantastic 
• incredible 
• marvelous 
• odd 
• outstanding 
• particular 
• phenomenal 
• rare 
• remarkable 
• singular 
• special 
• strange 
• surprising 
• terrific 
• uncommon 
• unheard-of