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

After two skates, doubt had been erased by excellence. —Marcus Thompson Ii, New York Times, 10 Jan. 2026

Congratulations, Casting Society, on your excellence. —Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 10 Jan. 2026

Its program embraces Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion alongside educational excellence. —Ray Domanico, Washington Post, 9 Jan. 2026

The Fort Worth Independent School District has recognized 10 educators for their excellence in the classroom. —Lina Ruiz, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Jan. 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