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

But the market bounced back with unprecedented speed.

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Those groups have already reshaped European soccer over the past two decades, helping push former also-ran clubs to unprecedented glory.

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The intersection of food and health is receiving unprecedented attention in the United States.

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Young “believes his clients remain sober for six months or more at an unprecedented rate for similarly situated facilities that offer treatment services to underserved and lower-income populations,” he said.

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The Palisades fire, which devastated Los Angeles’ Pacific Palisades neighborhood, was one of several wildfires across the region in early January as strong and erratic winds fueled unprecedented and disastrous blazes.

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Related Words

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