unique

[ yoo-neek ]

adjective

1. existing as the only one or as the sole example; single; solitary in type or characteristics:

   a unique copy of an ancient manuscript.

2. having no like or equal; unparalleled; incomparable:

   Bach was unique in his handling of counterpoint.

3. limited in occurrence to a given class, situation, or area:

   a species unique to Australia.

4. limited to a single outcome or result; without alternative possibilities:

   Certain types of problems have unique solutions.

5. not typical; unusual:

   She has a very unique smile.

noun

1. the embodiment of unique characteristics; the only specimen of a given kind:

   The unique is also the improbable.

unique

/ juːˈniːk /

adjective

1. being the only one of a particular type; single; sole
2. without equal or like; unparalleled
3. informal.
   very remarkable or unusual
4. maths
   1. leading to only one result

      the sum of two integers is unique

   2. having precisely one value

      the unique positive square root of 4 is 2

Usage Note

Many authors of usage guides, editors, teachers, and others feel strongly that such “absolute” words as complete, equal, perfect, and especially unique cannot be compared because of their “meaning”: a word that denotes an absolute condition cannot be described as denoting more or less than that absolute condition. However, all such words have undergone semantic development and are used in a number of senses, some of which can be compared by words like more, very, most, absolutely, somewhat, and totally and some of which cannot. The earliest meanings of unique when it entered English around the beginning of the 17th century were “single, sole” and “having no equal.” By the mid-19th century unique had developed a wider meaning, “not typical, unusual,” and it is in this wider sense that it is compared: The foliage on the late-blooming plants is more unique than that on the earlier varieties. The comparison of so-called absolutes in senses that are not absolute is standard in all varieties of speech and writing. a ¹, complete, perfect.

Usage

Unique is normally taken to describe an absolute state, i.e. one that cannot be qualified. Thus something is either unique or not unique; it cannot be rather unique or very unique. However, unique is sometimes used informally to mean very remarkable or unusual and this makes it possible to use comparatives or intensifiers with it, although many people object to this use

Derived Forms

• uˈniqueness, noun
• uˈniquely, adverb

Other Words From

• u·niquely adverb
• u·niqueness noun
• nonu·nique adjective
• nonu·niquely adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of unique¹

First recorded in 1595–1605; from French, from Latin ūnicus, equivalent to ūn(us) “one” + -icus -ic

Word History and Origins

Origin of unique¹

C17: via French from Latin ūnicus unparalleled, from ūnus one

Example Sentences

TikTok keeps millions of users glued to their screens, and offers unique opportunities for brands to promote their products and go viral by using TikTok for business.

From Search Engine Watch

We asked them why they wanted to use us, and how their needs are unique.

From Fortune

Our database is filled with thousands of big brands, brands you know, websites you visit every day that are struggling with getting their unique, indexable URLs indexed by Google.

From Search Engine Land

In March, the site had 68 million unique users, 136% more than March 2019, according to Comscore.

From Digiday

In typical Apple style, the mask looks unique with large coverings on the top and bottom for the wearer’s nose and chin.

From Fortune

Prevalence depends on context, and sometimes unique advantages outweigh the genetic costs.

From The Daily Beast

The most exciting and thrillingly unique artist to surface in 2014.

From The Daily Beast

Like Edgar, he remembers a unique time when American rappers came down and performed at the Primer Festival de Rap Cubano.

From The Daily Beast

Christmas is unique in that it is a global holiday celebrated all over the world by humanity.

From The Daily Beast

But that was probably the least unique thing about her childhood.

From The Daily Beast

The order of meals at Lane End was somewhat peculiar even then, and would now be almost unique.

From Project Gutenberg

They are unique; that lady there is the Du Barry—a portrait worth, alone, six thousand francs.

From Project Gutenberg

It is these unique coincidences and recurrences that make it so easy to find relations between these sovereigns.

From Project Gutenberg

It is the one which is sometimes called in books on economics the case of an unique monopoly.

From Project Gutenberg

Oh that their ranks could be kept filled and that a mould so unique was being used to its fullest in forming new regulars.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• exceptional
• extraordinary
• rare
• singular
• special
• strange
• uncommon
• unparalleled
• unprecedented
• weird