uniqueness

American  

[yoo-neek-nis] / yuˈnik nɪs /

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.

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Other Word Forms

• nonuniqueness noun

Etymology

Origin of uniqueness

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

Example Sentences

"There's a bright band, then nothing, bright band, nothing. No other pulsar shows this kind of striation. That uniqueness made the Crab Pulsar especially interesting -- and challenging -- to understand."

From Science Daily • Mar. 28, 2026

"All of us engaged in international cooperation can sense that awareness of Iceland's uniqueness, and of its strong position and interests... has changed dramatically," the prime minister said.

From Barron's • Mar. 6, 2026

"It was an interest in, and a real belief in, the quality and uniqueness of her practice, which is inseparable from who she is."

From BBC • Dec. 9, 2025

BYD needs to launch new technologies that improve the uniqueness of its models alongside attractive pricing, they say.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 24, 2025

There are no degrees of uniqueness, because the unique is absolute.

From "Woe Is I" by Patricia T. O'Conner