unprecedented
un-PRESS-ih-den-ted
/ʌnˈpres.ɪ.den.tɪd/
Never done or known before.
A very strong word used to emphasize how unique or shocking an event is.
The story behind the word. It literally means 'not having gone before.' If there is no 'precedent' (something that went before), then the event is 'unprecedented.'
Word relationships
- unparalleled: Unparalleled means nothing else is equal to it; unprecedented means nothing like it has happened before.
- commonplace: Ordinary and happening often.
Commonly confused with
- abnormal: Abnormal means not normal; unprecedented means it has never happened in history.
Word family
- precedent (noun): An earlier event that is used as an example or guide.
Collocations
- unprecedented growth
- unprecedented scale
- unprecedented move
Idioms & expressions
- one of a kind
- breaking the mold
Example sentences
- "The government took the unprecedented step of closing all borders during the crisis." Current events
- "The region is experiencing unprecedented levels of rainfall this year." Climate change
Memory hook
Un-Precedented: Nothing 'Preceded' (went before) it. No history.
When not to use
Do not use for things that have happened even once before; it must be truly the first.
Fun facts
- The word 'unprecedented' saw a 1,000% increase in usage in news media during the year 2020.
Related words
Explore more words
unforeseen, unequivocal, bizarre, astound, unconventional, breathtaking
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