unprecedented

[ uhn-pres-i-den-tid ]

adjective

1. without previous instance; never before known or experienced; unexampled or unparalleled:

   an unprecedented event.

   Synonyms: novel, exceptional, extraordinary, unique

unprecedented

/ ʌnˈprɛsɪˌdɛntɪd /

adjective

1. having no precedent; unparalleled

Derived Forms

• unˈpreceˌdentedly, adverb

Other Words From

• un·prece·dented·ly adverb
• un·prece·dented·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of unprecedented¹

First recorded in 1615–25; un- ¹ + precedent + -ed ²

Example Sentences

He wrote the foreword to a dystopian French climate-focused analysis called “Convergence of Catastrophes,” which predicts an era of unprecedented migration and political destabilization.

From Salon

Israel launched a campaign to destroy Hamas in response to the group's unprecedented attack on southern Israel on 7 October 2023, in which about 1,200 people were killed and 251 others were taken hostage.

From BBC

Yoakam co-wrote most of the album’s songs, which is unprecedented in his decades-long career.

From Los Angeles Times

Ofqual said it had had to take "unprecedented" action against the exam board, NCFE, to get 1,200 students' results recalculated, after it failed to develop "valid question papers".

From BBC

Some 3,339 independent community pharmacies in England, Wales and Northern Ireland took part in the unprecedented ballot, which is a turnout of 64%.

From BBC

Related Words

• bizarre
• extraordinary
• fantastic
• miraculous
• new
• remarkable
• singular
• uncommon
• unheard-of
• unique
• unparalleled
• unrivaled
• unusual