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

Competitive advantage was rooted in operational excellence, asset utilization and economies of scale. — Motaz Agamawi, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026

The proposal builds on existing seals for civics education and biliteracy to recognize high school graduates for civic and language excellence. — Sofia Williams, Sacbee.com, 10 July 2026

Earlier this year, the Vilcek Foundation awarded Bogdanos its prize for excellence in art history, which carried a $100,000 purse. — Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 9 July 2026

As public servants and the keepers of this institution, we are charged with helping a nation find understanding, hope and clarity and as part of that duty, we are dedicated to excellence, reflection and growth. — Anastasia Tsioulcas, NPR, 9 July 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