record-breaking

American  

[rek-erd-brey-king] / ˈrɛk ərdˌbreɪ kɪŋ /

adjective

1. so great, successful, numerous, extreme, etc., as to surpass all previous records.

   We had a record-breaking fundraising drive this year.

   He scored a record-breaking 97 goals in a single season.

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Etymology

Origin of record-breaking

First recorded in 1880–85

Explanation

A record-breaking achievement is better than any previous attempt by anyone, or at least better than any officially documented one. If you solve the Rubik's Cube faster than the fastest solver, that would be a record-breaking feat! When someone sets a record, they accomplish something that hasn't ever been topped: no one has run faster, or eaten more hot dogs, or lived longer. There are also records for things like the hottest day, fattest bear, and most powerful telescope. Eventually, nearly every record gets broken, and the event that does it is record-breaking. So if you practice every day, maybe you can one day be a record-breaking Rubik's Cube solver — but you'll probably have to do it in less than three seconds!

Example Sentences

March saw a record-breaking drop, when just 35,561 foreign tourists visited Cuba.

From Barron's • Apr. 27, 2026

The announcement comes after a landmark season of “DWTS,” which saw a record-breaking number of fan votes.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 23, 2026

The property, known as Lowe Tide, is hitting the market for $42 million, a potentially record-breaking price for the state.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 22, 2026

Ronnie O'Sullivan began his quest for a record-breaking eighth World Championship title with a dominant opening session against Chinese debutant He Guoqiang.

From BBC • Apr. 21, 2026

She had a flawless reputation for work and study; she was now a skilled and record-breaking air navigator; she had squeaky-clean connections.

From "A Thousand Sisters" by Elizabeth Wein