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

The objective is to get that information and examples of sustainable design excellence in front of a wider audience in the general public, instead of focusing on industry engagement. —Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 30 Oct. 2025

Beyond the fashion moments, brands like Diageo showed up to honor that same spirit of excellence. —Essence, 29 Oct. 2025

Here’s my six-pack of Wednesday morning Dolphins notes, including a look at when Tua Tagovailoa can run, a trade report, perspective on Aaron Brewer’s excellence and more. —Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 29 Oct. 2025

Thom Bell, Nicky Hopkins and Carol Kaye are being inducted for musical excellence, and Lenny Waronker will receive the Ahmet Ertegun award. —Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 28 Oct. 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