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Synonyms

world-class

American  
[wurld-klas, -klahs] / ˈwɜrldˈklæs, -ˈklɑs /
Or worldclass

adjective

  1. ranking among the world's best; outstanding.

    a world-class orchestra.

  2. attracting or comprising world-class players, performers, etc..

    a world-class tennis tournament.

  3. Informal. being a notorious example of its kind.

    a world-class slob.


world-class British  

adjective

  1. of or denoting someone with a skill or attribute that puts him or her in the highest class in the world

    a world-class swimmer

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of world-class

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Trump said the ships that came under fire were three "world class American destroyers" that had transited out of the Strait of Hormuz without being damaged.

From BBC • May 7, 2026

The "world class facilities", she said, added to its "legendary creative energy and musical heritage" made the move north feel like "a natural next step".

From BBC • Mar. 24, 2026

Steyn is world class from his top to his toe.

From BBC • Mar. 7, 2026

But the executive, who oversees the group's cloud computing operations, said some concerns about reliance on US tech were "overdone" and urged Europe to focus on producing world class technology so it could compete globally.

From Barron's • Mar. 4, 2026

The flaw in this plan was that there were really no feeble players in the tournament; they were all, if not world class, then at least of national or international renown.

From "Endgame" by Frank Brady

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