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

Elite requires consistent excellence Pivetta, who debuted with the Phillies in 2017, threw at least six scoreless innings while allowing no more than one hit six times from 2019 through ‘24. —Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Mar. 2026

LeBron’s love for the game and for excellence must be celebrated. —Los Angeles Times, 21 Mar. 2026

But just as Drury’s shot cut through the air en route to his ninth goal of the season, Chicago Blackhawks goaltender Arvid Soderblom saved his most spectacular work in a night full of excellence for last. —Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 21 Mar. 2026

Founded in 1985 by Central City Productions CEO Don Jackson, the Stellar Awards celebrate excellence in gospel music and air nationwide on television networks including BET, Bounce TV and the Stellar Network, bringing Charlotte’s moment to audiences across the country. —Charlotte Observer, 20 Mar. 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