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

This investment advances Cirrus’ mission to ensure manufacturing excellence, safety, quality, and long-term growth. — Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 15 Aug. 2026

Mukerji was separately honored with a special citation for acting excellence by the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM), which cited her three decades of memorable roles and the international reach of her work. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 14 Aug. 2026

The key is to discern between a demanding leader, who pushes for excellence while respecting boundaries, and a destructive one. — Mark Nevins, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2026

This year’s festival will mark the debut of the inaugural PaleyFest Award, a new honor recognizing excellence in media, television, and entertainment and established to commemorate Paley’s 50th anniversary. — Breanne L. Heldman, PEOPLE, 11 Aug. 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