exceptional

American  

[ik-sep-shuh-nl] / ɪkˈsɛp ʃə nl /

adjective

1. forming an exception or rare instance; unusual; extraordinary.

   The warm weather was exceptional for January.

   Synonyms:

   anomalous , aberrant , unnatural , strange , singular , uncommon

2. unusually excellent; superior.

   an exceptional violinist.

   Antonyms:

   ordinary , average

3. Education.  (of a child)

   1. being intellectually gifted.

   2. being physically or especially mentally disabled to an extent that special schooling is required.

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exceptional British  

/ ɪkˈsɛpʃənəl /

adjective

1. forming an exception; not ordinary

2. having much more than average intelligence, ability, or skill

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Related Words

See irregular.

Other Word Forms

• exceptionality noun
• exceptionally adverb
• exceptionalness noun
• nonexceptional adjective
• preexceptional adjective
• quasi-exceptional adjective
• superexceptional adjective

Etymology

Origin of exceptional

First recorded in 1840–50; exception + -al ¹

Example Sentences

Through a rapid thermal annealing process, the team formed a highly curved graphene structure with controlled pathways that allow ions to move with exceptional speed and efficiency.

From Science Daily

Cooking requires "nafas", or soul, Orfali explained, using the Arabic term that describes a cook's personal flair for food and their ability to conjure up exceptional meals.

From Barron's

The Prince was also able to offer his heartfelt gratitude to the NHS teams providing exceptional care during such a profoundly difficult time.

From BBC

Nov. 24: Corporate America delivered another exceptional earnings season.

From Barron's

Nov. 24: Corporate America delivered another exceptional earnings season.

From Barron's

Related Words

• extraordinary
• notable
• noteworthy
• odd
• phenomenal
• rare
• remarkable
• singular
• special
• strange
• uncommon
• unheard-of
• unique
• unprecedented
• unusual