unprecedented

[uhn-pres-i-den-tid]

adjective

1. without previous instance; never before known or experienced; unexampled or unparalleled.

   an unprecedented event.

   Synonyms: novel, exceptional, extraordinary, unique

unprecedented

/ ʌnˈprɛsɪˌdɛntɪd /

adjective

1. having no precedent; unparalleled

Other Word Forms

• unprecedentedly adverb
• unprecedentedness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of unprecedented¹

First recorded in 1615–25; un- ¹ + precedent + -ed ²

Example Sentences

European capitals for more than two years resisted the unprecedented step of handing a country’s assets over to its opponent.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Within that well-worn dynamic, Davidson developed into one of the top women’s hoops prospects in the nation, all while she and her friends led Clackamas High on an unprecedented, four-year run of success.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

While in power, Sisi has overseen what human rights groups say is an unprecedented crackdown on dissent that has led to the detention of thousands of people.

Read more on BBC

Part of this is personality, part of this is where he’s from, but the foundation of his celebrity is his unprecedented on-field performance.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Over the past centuries, humanity gained unprecedented understanding and control over the forces of nature, but it may have come with a price.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• bizarre 
• extraordinary 
• fantastic 
• miraculous 
• new 
• remarkable 
• singular 
• uncommon 
• unheard-of 
• unique 
• unparalleled 
• unrivaled 
• unusual