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

While it’s usually applied when the federal government exercises eminent domain and takes title to land, the takings clause also covers the government’s outright destruction of personal property.

From Slate • Feb. 4, 2026

During research for a book on my own PTSD, I remember a conversation with one of Britain's most eminent experts in the field, Prof Simon Wessely, former president of the Royal College of Psychiatrists.

From BBC • Dec. 29, 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

Nancy Shear wasn’t yet out of her teens when she was hired as musical assistant to the eminent and enigmatic symphony conductor Leopold Stokowski, who became her mentor and a father figure of sorts.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 21, 2025

Luis Alvarez was an eminent nuclear physicist; he had won the Nobel Prize for physics the previous decade.

From "A Short History of Nearly Everything" by Bill Bryson

Related Words

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