unexceptional
Americanadjective
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not exceptional; not unusual or extraordinary.
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admitting of no exception to the general rule.
adjective
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usual, ordinary, or normal
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subject to or allowing no exceptions
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not_standard another word for unexceptionable
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of unexceptional
First recorded in 1765–75; un- 1 + exceptional
Explanation
Unexceptional describes something that's perfectly ordinary, like your unexceptional day that's not good or bad — or memorable for any reason. Anything that's an everyday, normal occurrence can be called unexceptional. Brushing your teeth, a regular day at school, and a so-so movie: they're all unexceptional. Think about the word exception — something that stands out or breaks a rule. So something that's exceptional is special in some way. Adding the prefix un- makes an adjective that describes something that's not special, like an unexceptional bus ride to school.
Vocabulary lists containing unexceptional
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.
China sought to play down the event as unexceptional, even as some countries in the region were quick to criticize it.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 6, 2026
The answer is important, but not obvious – so far it appears to be an exceptional outbreak in seemingly unexceptional circumstances.
From BBC ● Mar. 18, 2026
During the winters of the other three years of the Presidential cycle, in contrast, the stock market’s average performance is unexceptional.
From Barron's ● Oct. 27, 2025
It’s an establishment that would be unexceptional if not for the fact that it is owned and run by Joe Germanotta—father of Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta, aka Lady Gaga.
From Slate ● Nov. 2, 2024
The restaurant was small, rectangular, and unexceptional, with red tiles on the roof.
From "Fast Food Nation: The Dark Side of the All-American Meal" by Eric Schlosser
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
