incomparable

[ in-kom-per-uh-buhl, -pruh-buhl ]

adjective

1. beyond comparison; matchless or unequaled:

   incomparable beauty.

   Synonyms: inimitable, unrivaled, peerless

   Antonyms: mediocre, ordinary

2. not comparable; incapable of being compared to each other, as two unlike objects or qualities, or to one or more others.

incomparable

/ ɪnˈkɒmpərəbəl; -prəbəl /

adjective

1. beyond or above comparison; matchless; unequalled
2. lacking a basis for comparison; not having qualities or features that can be compared

Derived Forms

• inˌcomparaˈbility, noun
• inˈcomparably, adverb

Other Words From

• in·compa·ra·bili·ty in·compa·ra·ble·ness noun
• in·compa·ra·bly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of incomparable¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English word from Latin word incomparābilis. See in- ³, comparable

Example Sentences

The director of the British Museum, Dr Nicholas Cullinan, said it was an "incomparable private collection".

From BBC

“He was not just an incomparable lawyer, mentor, role model, and friend, but he has made immeasurable contributions to the rule of law, our Constitution, and our country. We will miss him with all our hearts.”

From Los Angeles Times

Immigration experts say that the earlier operation's focus on Mexican nationals and lack of due process makes it incomparable to what a modern-day mass deportation programme would look like.

From BBC

Cybill Shepherd may have portrayed her woes in a pair of made-for-TV movies, but the actual dialogue of Stewart's heartbreak is incomparable.

From Salon

He said “She is gone!” and then waited 68 seconds before coming back with one of the greatest lines of his incomparable career: “In a year that has been so improbable, the impossible has happened!”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• exceptional
• inimitable
• transcendent
• unmatched
• unparalleled