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 of excellence

• excellency
• superiority
• perfection

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

Mental-health care works best when clinical excellence is combined with human understanding. —Maria Bledsoe, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 May 2026

With his excellence metastasized in the spirit of Edwards and his Timberwolves, Wembanyama didn’t need to be masterful. —Marcus Thompson Ii, New York Times, 16 May 2026

Schmon praises Cannes for upholding artistic excellence and the gains made so far by the fest’s programmers, but would like to see the festival engage more with organizations like hers. —Mia Galuppo, HollywoodReporter, 14 May 2026

Getting past excellence Brewers starter Jacob Misiorowski was going to be the story last night. —Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 May 2026

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