unequaled
Americanadjective
Etymology
Origin of unequaled
1615–25; un- 1 + equal ( def. ) + -ed 2 ( def. )
Explanation
If something is the very best of its kind, it's unequaled. Your Ultimate Frisbee team is unequaled in your state this year — you've won every single game. People who hold records for being the fastest, strongest, or smartest at something can be described as unequaled, since there's no one as good at what they do. In other words, no one equals them, or matches their ability. If you win the town barbecue competition year after year, your hot wings are unequaled. Synonyms for this adjective include peerless, unmatched, and unsurpassed.
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.
We had the world’s strongest economy and most powerful military, bolstered by an unequaled system of alliances.
From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 30, 2025
“This is an honor that is unprecedented and unequaled in generosity shown by the Los Angeles Philharmonic family — my family — in making this dedication,” he said.
From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 11, 2025
Ever since the gold rush 170 years ago, the Golden State has been built on the assumption of population growth, leveraging it to create prosperity and economic power almost unequaled anywhere in the world.
From Slate • Aug. 3, 2023
“Our excellent record for managing the natural resources of this land is unequaled — because we put people in the environmental equation,” Watt wrote.
From Seattle Times • Jun. 8, 2023
“I see. In other words, you’ll be tossing laurels at old men outstanding only for their unequaled meanness.”
From "A Confederacy of Dunces" by John Kennedy Toole
Definitions 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.
