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

With a devoted fan base and a legacy rooted in both excellence and revolutionizing the sport, the Warriors remain one of the most impactful and exciting franchises in basketball history. —Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Nov. 2025

California Library Association PRExcellence Awards are intended to honor the highest quality efforts of California Libraries that demonstrate excellence in promoting and communicating their messages to their customers. —Sharon Hlapcich, Oc Register, 27 Nov. 2025

Fuzzy combined competitive excellence with a sense of humor that endeared him to fans and fellow players alike. —Natasha Dye, PEOPLE, 27 Nov. 2025

Clarity of vision and executional excellence need to work together to deliver experiences people love. —Chris Novak, Fortune, 27 Nov. 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