incomparable
Americanadjective
-
beyond comparison; matchless or unequaled.
incomparable beauty.
- Synonyms:
- inimitable, unrivaled, peerless
-
not comparable; incapable of being compared to each other, as two unlike objects or qualities, or to one or more others.
adjective
-
beyond or above comparison; matchless; unequalled
-
lacking a basis for comparison; not having qualities or features that can be compared
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of incomparable
First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English word from Latin word incomparābilis. See in- 3, comparable
Explanation
Something incomparable cannot be compared to anything else. Incomparable is usually a compliment for people and achievements that are extraordinary. When we compare things, we notice similarities and differences between them. However, when something is incomparable, comparison is impossible because what you're talking about is so amazing. You might say that the paintings of Picasso are incomparable masterpieces or that the Grand Canyon is an incomparable sight. People do tend to exaggerate, but this word should be reserved for the truly outstanding.
Vocabulary lists containing incomparable
Letters to a Young Poet
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!
"Wilderness Letter"
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!
The Turn of the Screw
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.
What Williams has in her favour is one of the greatest technical talents ever seen - and an incomparable aura.
From BBC ● Jun. 22, 2026
And on that basis, what he’s doing is incomparable to the many capital renewals of his predecessors.
From Slate ● May 18, 2026
Mr. Brown contends that Mr. Ryan is incomparable, though Sandy Koufax, a fellow artist of no-hitters, comes to mind.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 15, 2026
Our everyman is Ben Reilly — played by the incomparable Nicolas Cage, making his live-action television debut — a private investigator who moonlights as the city’s only superhero, the Spider.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 13, 2026
Rising a hundred feet from the forest floor, its soaring boughs spread out in a canopy of incomparable lushness, an acre of leaves per tree, a million or so in all.
From "A Walk in the Woods" by Bill Bryson
Random Word
Spin the wheel and learn a new word!
Get a wordDefinitions 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.
