excellence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "excellence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the quality of being outstanding or extremely good in a particular area or field. Example: "The company's commitment to excellence is evident in the quality of its products and services."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Business

Education

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

It respects the missions of different institutions, in a way that the research excellence framework, league tables and newspapers do not.

The Guardian

It is a paradigm of excellence and endurance and intelligence.

The Guardian

They also got a leader and genuine role model whose beacon of good citizenship shone all the brighter through times when the off-field trials at St Kilda threatened to overshadow a sustained period of excellence on it.

The Guardian - Sport

The annual award ceremony which recognises excellence in Australian journalism was held in Brisbane and hosted by the ABC Lateline presenter Emma Alberici.

The Guardian

Christian Democrats could present themselves as antitotalitarians par excellence: they were a bulwark against godless communism, but also argued that fascism had really been a form of "materialism", making their own spiritualism the obvious antidote to a return of the past.

The Guardian - Opinion

Measured but never bloodless, ranging from skittish to melancholy, it was a fittingly virtuoso way to close an evening that underlined the Academy's reputation for musical excellence.

The Guardian

A centre of excellence, based in Cornwall, is allowing that knowledge to be grown, shared and used throughout the UK, supporting BT's ambition to become the largest supplier of telehealth services in England".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Research councils are prescribing open-access requirements for outputs which will be submittable in the next Research Excellence Framework (REF), and there are now nods towards monographs being included in those requirements at some elusive point in the future.

The Guardian

The big step forward this year is Hefce's announcement that if university departments want research papers to be included in the next Research Excellence Framework (REF) then they have to be deposited in an open access repository within three months of the paper being accepted.

The Guardian

In the UK, the only official screen-time ruling comes from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, which recently advised trying TV-free days, or limiting it to fewer than two hours a day, to maintain a healthy weight.

The Guardian - Tech

"The others," wrote Dunphy, "had graduated from Busby's School of Excellence, the car park at Old Trafford".

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for "excellence", provide specific examples to illustrate what makes something outstanding. Avoid vague claims and instead highlight concrete achievements or qualities.

Common error

Avoid overuse of "excellence" as it can lose its impact. Instead, use specific descriptors to highlight the exceptional qualities you are referring to. For instance, instead of saying "a center of excellence", try describing what makes it exceptional, such as "a leading research facility" or "a top-performing institution".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "excellence" is as a noun, typically referring to the quality of being outstanding or extremely good. It is used to describe a high standard of merit or achievement, as confirmed by Ludwig. For instance, examples show its use in phrases like "a centre of excellence" or "striving for excellence".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Sport

14%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Science

10%

Academia

8%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "excellence" is a commonly used noun that denotes a high standard of quality or merit. As Ludwig highlights, it is used to describe achievements, set standards, or convey a commitment to superior performance across various domains, including news, sports, and business. While it is grammatically correct and widely accepted, be mindful of overuse. Specific descriptors can often be more impactful. Alternatives like "superior quality" or "high caliber" can provide nuanced meaning. The phrase maintains a mostly neutral register, making it suitable for diverse communication styles. Its prevalence in reputable sources underscores its importance in conveying superior quality and achievement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

superior quality

Focuses specifically on the high standard of the quality.

high caliber

Emphasizes the high level of ability or expertise.

first-rate

Highlights the top-notch nature of something.

top-tier

Indicates belonging to the highest level or rank.

state of the art

Emphasizes the cutting-edge or most advanced level.

ultimate perfection

Stresses the idea of flawlessness and the highest possible standard.

exemplary standard

Highlights a model or ideal level of performance.

unrivaled skill

Focuses on the unique and unmatched level of skill.

supreme merit

Emphasizes the exceptional worth or value.

consummate artistry

Focuses on the high level of skill and artistry involved.

FAQs

How can I use "excellence" in a sentence?

"Excellence" is often used to describe a high standard of quality or performance. For example, "The company is committed to excellence in customer service" or "Her dedication to her craft is evident in the excellence of her work."

What are some synonyms for "excellence"?

Depending on the context, you can use words like "superior quality", "high caliber", "perfection", or "merit" as alternatives to "excellence".

Is it better to say "excellence" or "excellency"?

"Excellence" is the noun form referring to the quality of being excellent. "Excellency" is a title of honor, often used when addressing dignitaries. Therefore, use "excellence" when describing a quality and "excellency" as a form of address.

What is the difference between "excellence" and "competence"?

"Competence" implies a satisfactory level of skill or knowledge, while "excellence" suggests a superior level of achievement and quality that goes beyond mere adequacy. Competence is being able to do something, but "excellence" is doing it exceptionally well.