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

• 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

Prime Development and Crestwood Custom Homes bring decades of experience and a reputation for excellence to every home. —Prime Development, Kansas City Star, 20 July 2025

Everyone reveled in Jamal Murray’s playoff excellence en route to a championship. —Troy Renck, Denver Post, 19 July 2025

Paralympian Susan Hagel exemplified longevity and sustained excellence in a different arena, competing in six Paralympic Games across three sports: para track and field, para archery, and wheelchair basketball. —Mark Lasota, Forbes.com, 18 July 2025

Our Village by the Sea expects excellence from its law enforcement, and excellence requires investment. —Angela Burns, Sun Sentinel, 16 July 2025

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