excellence

noun

ex·​cel·​lence ˈek-s(ə-)lən(t)s 

1

: the quality of being excellent

an award for academic excellence

setting a high standard of excellence

see also black excellence

2

plural excellences : an excellent or valuable quality : virtue

… I am as admiring as almost everyone else of the film's many excellences …

—Daniel Mendelsohn

3

or Excellence : excellency sense 2

Lord Regent, I do greet your Excellence …

—William Shakespeare

Synonyms

• choiceness
• distinction
• excellency
• first-rateness
• greatness
• perfection
• preeminence
• primeness
• superbness
• superiority
• supremacy

Examples of excellence in a Sentence

The school is known for the excellence of its teachers.

an award for academic excellence

setting a high standard of excellence

Recent Examples on the Web

The 2025 Cannes Film Festival has evolved far beyond its origins as a celebration of cinematic excellence. —Pooja Shah, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025

Sustaining excellence in sports is incredibly difficult. —Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 22 May 2025

The Trump administration is focused on excellence—and making sure nothing stands in the way of the mission. —Tom Rogers, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 May 2025

Continuing its tradition of teaming up at global film festivals, the 120-year-old publication and awards body hosted a slew of talent and creatives to mark another year of excellence with Bulova, luxury watchmaker and sponsor. —Matt Donnelly, Variety, 18 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing excellence

• Black excellence
• center of excellence
• par excellence

Kids Definition

excellence

noun

ex·​cel·​lence ˈek-s(ə-)lən(t)s 

1

: high quality

2

: an excellent quality : virtue

3

: excellency sense 2