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

There’s no doubt that Damien safety Gavin Williams, a USC commit, will be the standard for excellence this coming season. — Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 21 June 2026

Messi’s excellence aside, Algeria held up fairly well against Argentina, at least on the stat sheet. — Darren Sabedra, Mercury News, 21 June 2026

His leadership, consistent across Barcelona, Argentina, and Inter Miami, is characterized by quiet example and a fierce commitment to excellence. — Luis E. Romero, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026

Share something imperfect, and let joy lead excellence this time. — Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 19 June 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