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 Valkyries had to overcome adversity, too, seeking to escape the shadow of the Las Vegas Aces, the league’s defending champions and a paragon of excellence. — Ken Makin, Christian Science Monitor, 16 Oct. 2026

Don’t expect the surrounding restaurants and bars to meet the level of excellence of Can Ferrereta, but do trust that they are locally owned and honest in their offer. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Oct. 2026

Appreciation of beauty and excellence ranks near the top of her list, along with gratitude and zest. — Allison Aubrey, NPR, 15 Oct. 2026

With Marcadé and now Without Production, Platform6 brings together the talent and the creative excellence to capture this opportunity. — Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 14 Oct. 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