eminent

American  

[em-uh-nuhnt] / ˈɛm ə nənt /

adjective

1. high in station, rank, or repute; prominent; distinguished.

   eminent statesmen.

   Synonyms:

   noted, illustrious, renowned, celebrated

   Antonyms:

   obscure, unknown

2. conspicuous, signal, or noteworthy.

   eminent fairness.

   Synonyms:

   outstanding, remarkable, noteworthy, notable

3. lofty; high.

   eminent peaks.

4. prominent; projecting; protruding.

   an eminent nose.

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eminent British  

/ ˈɛmɪnənt /

adjective

1. above others in rank, merit, or reputation; distinguished

   an eminent scientist

2. (prenominal) noteworthy, conspicuous, or outstanding

   eminent good sense

3. projecting or protruding; prominent

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Usage

What does eminent mean? Eminent means high in station, rank, or reputation. Its noun form, eminence, refers to a position of superiority, high rank or status, or fame. Someone who is eminent is prominent or distinguished in some way, especially within a particular field. The word is often associated with scholars. Eminent is similar to prominent but is perhaps even more positive. Someone who is prominent is well-known and often important. Someone who is considered eminent is often both well-known and well-respected. Still, the words are often used in overlapping ways. The word preeminent means extremely eminent—eminent or outstanding above all others. The adverb eminently usually just means highly or very. It’s typically used to modify (describe) adjectives, as in She is eminently qualified. Example: He has achieved prominence in his field of study and is one of the most eminent scholars in the nation.

Related Words

See famous.

Other Word Forms

• eminently
  adverb
• noneminent
  adjective
• quasi-eminent
  adjective
• quasi-eminently
  adverb
• uneminent
  adjective
• uneminently
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of eminent

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin ēminent-, stem of ēminēns “outstanding, projecting,” present participle of ēminēre “to stand out, project,” from ē- e- ¹ + min- “to put forward, stick out” + ēre, infinitive verb suffix

Explanation

Anyone highly regarded or prominent is eminent. Eminent people are very successful at their jobs. If you’ve heard of Neil deGrasse Tyson, it’s probably because he’s an eminent astrophysicist. Every field has eminent — impressive, famous, or accomplished — people. Two of the most eminent coaches in the history of professional basketball are Red Auerbach and Phil Jackson because they've won the most championships. Beethoven was an eminent musician. Frank Lloyd Wright was an eminent architect. Eminent people loom over a field because they're influential and you can't avoid hearing about them. It's not easy to be eminent because you have to be extremely successful.

Example Sentences

Ben Lerner’s novel poetically recounts its narrator’s relationship with an eminent scholar.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026

In a public statement, Janet Yellen, Ben Bernanke and Alan Greenspan, and 10 other eminent former officials, rallied behind Powell.

From BBC • Jan. 12, 2026

Responding to the observation that many eminent Supreme Court justices have believed that Congress can limit the president’s firing authority, Kavanaugh pointed out that many eminent of the court’s justices have believed the opposite.

From Slate • Dec. 11, 2025

Silverstein opened his own law office in 2005, taking on clients who were challenging eminent domain, the process used by government agencies to acquire private property from owners who are unwilling to sell.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 2, 2025

Tuxedo Park became an obligatory stopover for eminent scientists visiting the United States.

From "Big Science" by Michael Hiltzik

Related Words

• big-name
• distinguished
• esteemed
• famed
• high-ranking
• illustrious
• noted
• outstanding
• preeminent
• prominent
• renowned
• well-known