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

This level of interest would be unusual in most circumstances, but it tracks with SpaceX’s record-breaking IPO journey.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 16, 2026

Underwriters on the already record-breaking IPO exercised the option to buy another 83 million shares.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 16, 2026

Harry Styles opened the first night of his record-breaking residency at Wembley Stadium by reminiscing about his audition for The X Factor, 16 years ago.

From BBC • Jun. 13, 2026

But as SpaceX makes its record-breaking public market debut, some experts express doubts it can reach its lofty goals, especially on its planned timeline.

From Barron's • Jun. 12, 2026

So when Valentina proposed to take off on another record-breaking journey, again she asked Marina to join her.

From "A Thousand Sisters" by Elizabeth Wein