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

See firsthand the excellence, innovation and progress taking place across Broward County. —Howard Hepburn, Sun Sentinel, 3 Jan. 2026

Finding the right facility is a complex equation balancing affordability with medical excellence. —Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 2 Jan. 2026

The story of a young man attempting to outrun the racial and cultural forces seeking to limit his excellence, Race is an important addition to the sports movie canon. —Chris Snellgrove, Entertainment Weekly, 2 Jan. 2026

Generously supported by Linda and Mitch Hart, the Institute is globally renowned for its excellence and has spotlighted Dallas as an arts innovator. —Terry Wagner, Dallas Morning News, 2 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