unique
yoo-NEEK
Unique (adjective) means being the only one of its kind; unlike anything else. Example: “Each person's fingerprint is unique, which is why police use them.”
adjective
1
Being the only one of its kind; unlike anything else.
"Each person's fingerprint is unique, which is why police use them."
"Every snowflake is said to be unique."
"The building's design is unique in the city."
2
Particularly special or remarkable.
"It was a unique chance to meet my favourite author in person."
"Visiting the rainforest was a unique experience that I will never forget."
"She has a unique talent for putting people at ease."
How to use unique
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishOne of a kind — nothing else is quite like it.
Common mistake
Strictly, "unique" is an absolute — something either is or isn't the only one of its kind, so many style guides say you shouldn't say "very unique" or "more unique". In casual speech people do it anyway.
Common pairings
truly unique
unique opportunity
unique feature
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Word forms
- Plural
- uniques
- Comparative
- uniquer, more unique
- Superlative
- uniquest, most unique
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Each person's fingerprint is _____, which is why police use them.
Etymology
Borrowed from French unique, from Latin unicus ("only, sole").
Synonyms
View more →
one-of-a-kind
distinctive
alone
azygous
incomparable
matchless
nonpareil
only
peerless
singular
sui generis
unequaled
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for unique
See all rhymes for unique →Frequently asked questions
What does “unique” mean?
The word “unique” means being the only one of its kind; unlike anything else. In plain terms, one of a kind — nothing else is quite like it.
How do you pronounce “unique”?
“Unique” is pronounced yoo-NEEK (/juːˈniːk/ in IPA).
How do you use “unique” in a sentence?
Here is “unique” used in a sentence: “Every snowflake is said to be unique.”
What is another word for “unique”?
Words with a similar meaning to “unique” include alone, azygous, incomparable, matchless, nonpareil and only.
What is the opposite of “unique”?
The opposite of “unique” — its antonyms — are common and normal.
What part of speech is “unique”?
“Unique” is an adjective.
Where does the word “unique” come from?
The word “unique” comes from Latin. Borrowed from French unique, from Latin unicus ("only, sole").
Is “unique” a common word?
“Unique” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
Can something be 'very unique'?
Strictly, no. Unique means one of a kind — an absolute state with no degrees, so something either is unique or isn't. Purists reject 'very unique' or 'quite unique' for the same reason you can't be 'very only.' In casual speech people say it for emphasis, but careful writing avoids it.
What is the difference between 'unique' and 'unusual'?
'Unusual' means rare or uncommon — there could still be others like it. 'Unique' is stronger: it means the only one of its kind, with nothing else quite like it. A purple car is unusual because most cars aren't purple; a one-off handmade car is unique because no other exists.
What is an example of something unique?
A person's fingerprints are unique — no two people share the same pattern. Other examples include a snowflake's structure, an original painting like the Mona Lisa, or your DNA. Each is the only one of its kind. The word also describes distinctive qualities, as in 'a unique voice' or 'a unique flavor.'
Is 'unique' a compliment?
Usually, yes. Calling something unique often praises it as special, original, and distinctive. But it can be neutral or even a gentle euphemism — describing an odd choice as 'unique' may politely avoid saying it's strange. Tone and context decide whether it flatters or simply marks something as one of a kind.
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