adverb
Uncommon
uniquely
yoo-NEEK-lee
Uniquely (adverb) means In a way that is unique or one of a kind. Example: “The city is uniquely positioned at the crossing of two rivers.”
adverb
1
In a way that is unique or one of a kind.
"a uniquely gifted musician"
"“The NBA and FIBA are uniquely positioned to build on the rich tradition of European basketball. We look forward to collaborating with FIBA to explore the creation of a new league for fans across the continent,” Silver added."
— Matias Grez, NBA and FIBA in talks with European soccer teams over new basketball league (2025)
"The city is uniquely positioned at the crossing of two rivers."
"She was uniquely qualified for the job."
"components that are uniquely numbered for identification"
How to use uniquely
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDescribes something as being special or distinctive in its own particular way.
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more uniquely
- Superlative
- most uniquely
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The city is _____ positioned at the crossing of two rivers.
Etymology
From unique + -ly.
Related words
Rhymes for uniquely
See all rhymes for uniquely →Frequently asked questions
What does “uniquely” mean?
The word “uniquely” means in a way that is unique or one of a kind. In plain terms, describes something as being special or distinctive in its own particular way.
How do you pronounce “uniquely”?
“Uniquely” is pronounced yoo-NEEK-lee (/juːˈniːk.li/ in IPA).
How do you use “uniquely” in a sentence?
Here is “uniquely” used in a sentence: “The city is uniquely positioned at the crossing of two rivers.”
What part of speech is “uniquely”?
“Uniquely” is an adverb.
Is “uniquely” a common word?
“Uniquely” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between uniquely and especially?
Uniquely describes something that is one of a kind or distinct from all others, while especially simply emphasizes a high degree without implying exclusivity. Saying someone is 'uniquely qualified' means no one else has quite the same combination of qualifications, whereas 'especially qualified' just means highly qualified.
Is it correct to say 'uniquely positioned' or 'uniquely qualified'?
Yes, both phrases are common and correct, used to describe a person or organization whose specific combination of traits, skills, or circumstances sets them apart from others. This usage is frequent in formal and business writing.
Can uniquely be used with 'suited' or 'placed'?
Yes, uniquely commonly pairs with words like suited, placed, positioned, and qualified to stress that someone or something has a distinctive advantage or fit that others lack.
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