it defies comparison

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it defies comparison" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that something is so unique or exceptional that it cannot be compared to anything else. Example: "The beauty of the sunset over the ocean is so breathtaking that it defies comparison."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

By John Bainbridge The wall that divides Berlin is hard to visualize, because it defies comparison.

The New Yorker

The wall that divides Berlin is hard to visualize, because it defies comparison.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

At other points, From Kinshasa defies comparison, because it doesn't really sound like anything else.

The Guardian - Music

It is a luxury coupe that defies comparison with other luxury coupes.

BBC

In the most recent edition of their lounge act, which defies comparison with any other, Justin Bond (Kiki) and Kenny Mellman (Herb) are telling it like it was.

The New York Times

"The artist himself is like the mud-soaked soccer player; for him it is the game, even more than the victory, that brings consummate rapture and defies comparison with worldly success".

The Economist

In The New York Times Book Review, Roberta Silman said that this novel, a personal journey that moves through time and space, "obliterates time and defies comparison".

The New York Times - Books

A normally prosaic prosciutto and melon appetizer is transformed into an opulent and exquisite taste treat, the veal chop defies comparison, the Dover sole is perfect, and the side dishes are scrumptious.

Forbes

But the web has shown itself to have a reach and impact which defies comparison with earlier communications technology.

Huffington Post

A cross between old-school blues-jazz divas like Billie Holiday, Nina Simone and Betty Davis and contemporary R&B influences like Tina Turner, Al Green, Stevie Wonder and Sly Stone (with a bit of Janis Joplin thrown in), Ms. Gray both demands and defies comparisons.

The New York Times

If the analogy at first seems absurd, it's because the three bodies of work from the vantage of outer appearances alone, defy comparison.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it defies comparison" when you want to emphasize the uniqueness or exceptional nature of something, suggesting that it's so distinct that comparisons are inadequate. For instance, "The artist's innovative approach defies comparison with traditional methods."

Common error

Avoid using "it defies comparison" for everyday or common occurrences. The phrase is best reserved for truly exceptional or unique situations; otherwise, it can sound hyperbolic or exaggerated. For example, stating "This sandwich defies comparison" would generally be inappropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it defies comparison" functions as a declarative statement, asserting that something is so unique or exceptional that it cannot be adequately compared to anything else. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a correct and usable expression in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it defies comparison" is used to indicate that something is so unique or exceptional that it cannot be adequately compared to anything else. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. It is commonly found in news and media contexts to emphasize the unparalleled nature of a subject. While synonyms like "it is unparalleled" and "it is beyond compare" exist, "it defies comparison" offers a direct and emphatic way to express distinctiveness. Remember to reserve this phrase for genuinely unique situations to avoid sounding hyperbolic.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is incomparable

A more direct synonym, stating that something cannot be compared due to its uniqueness.

it is unparalleled

This alternative suggests that something is unmatched and has no equal.

it is beyond compare

This alternative emphasizes that something is superior to anything that could be compared to it.

it resists comparison

This suggests an active resistance to being compared, highlighting its distinctiveness.

it stands alone

This suggests that something is unique and not easily categorized with anything else.

it has no parallel

Similar to "it is unparalleled", this indicates a lack of comparable examples.

it has no precedent

This indicates that something is entirely new and has no prior examples to compare against.

it is in a league of its own

This implies that something is significantly better than its competitors or similar entities.

it is without equal

This highlights the unmatched quality or characteristic of something.

it breaks the mold

This implies that something is original and departs from typical patterns or expectations.

FAQs

What does "it defies comparison" mean?

It means that something is so unique or exceptional that it's difficult or impossible to compare it to anything else. It stands out as distinctly different or of unparalleled quality.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "it defies comparison"?

Use it when describing something genuinely unique or of exceptional quality that surpasses typical comparisons. It's fitting for art, experiences, or achievements that stand out from the norm.

Are there synonyms for "it defies comparison"?

Yes, alternatives include "it is unparalleled", "it is beyond compare", or "it is incomparable". These phrases convey a similar sense of uniqueness.

How can I use "it defies comparison" in a sentence?

For example: "The beauty of the natural phenomenon was so extraordinary that "it defies comparison"."