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 Royal National Theatre, symbol of Britain’s theatrical excellence, offered her the part of the Blue Fairy in a try-out musical production of Pinocchio, which Dennis Kelly adapted from Carlo Collodi’s tale and Disney’s 1940 classic. —Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 11 Dec. 2024

Horwitz has some power, some speed, and the same hustle and commitment to excellence as Gimenez. Follow me on Twitter. —Bernie Pleskoff, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024

Indianapolis Star Each week readers vote on central Indiana students who were nominated by their schools for their excellence in the classroom and beyond. —Caroline Beck, The Indianapolis Star, 9 Dec. 2024

Her vision for the team is clear: to build a culture of excellence that honors the franchise’s history while pushing it toward new heights. —Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 9 Dec. 2024

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