exceptional

The word “exceptional” means unusually good; far above average. In plain terms, either outstandingly good, or simply unusual/out of the ordinary.

“Exceptional” is pronounced ihk-SEHP-shuh-nuhl (/ɪkˈsɛpʃənəl/ in IPA).

Here is “exceptional” used in a sentence: “Her exceptional talent for languages impressed the examiners.”

Words with a similar meaning to “exceptional” include egregious.

The opposite of “exceptional” — its antonyms — are ordinary, categorical, common, general and usual.

“Exceptional” is an adjective.

“Exceptional” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

“Exceptional” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: unusually good; far above average.

It has both senses. Most often it means unusually good — far above average, as in "an exceptional student" — but in formal or technical contexts it simply means not typical, forming an exception to the usual pattern. Context normally makes clear which sense is intended.

Excellent means extremely good, while exceptional suggests something so far above average that it stands out as a rarity. Exceptional also has a neutral second sense, "not typical," which excellent does not share.

The two look similar but differ sharply in meaning. Exceptional means far above average or not typical, while exceptionable is a formal word meaning open to objection — something one could take exception to. Using exceptionable when exceptional is meant is a well-known usage error.