uniqueness

[yoo-neek-nis]

noun

1. the quality of being unlike anything else of its kind or of being solitary in type or characteristics.

   Owing to its physical and behavioral uniqueness, the osprey is classified in its own family.

2. the quality of being unequaled, incomparable, or unusual.

   Critics are praising the uniqueness of her performance art.

Other Word Forms

• nonuniqueness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of uniqueness¹

First recorded in 1800–05; unique ( def. ) + -ness ( def. )