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

• choiceness
• distinction
• excellency
• first-rateness
• greatness
• perfection
• preeminence
• primeness
• superbness
• superiority
• supremacy

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

This reality drives the team’s commitment to excellence, with Jordan emphasizing the importance of ensuring every guest leaves on a positive note. —Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 26 June 2025

The series has also won two Annie Awards, for excellence in the field of animation, in 2023 and 2025 in the category of Best Animated Television/Media Production for Preschool Children. —Debbie Day, EW.com, 26 June 2025

Askren’s athletic excellence was matched by lifelong friendships and a dedication to helping others. —Sofia Schwarzwalder, Kansas City Star, 24 June 2025

The Board of Governors is responsible for setting the Academy’s strategic vision, maintaining its financial stability and ensuring the fulfillment of its mission to support excellence in the motion picture arts and sciences. —Clayton Davis, Variety, 23 June 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