unrivaled

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "unrivaled" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is an adjective that is used to describe something that is unmatched or unequaled by anything else. For example, you could say: "His determination to reach his goal was unrivaled."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

His command of literature was unrivaled.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It is also clear, however, that within a very short time the Southeast Asian kingdoms produced their own distinctive local versions of Indian styles; and some of their work shows skill, finesse, and invention on a colossal scale unrivaled even in India.

Encyclopedia Britannica

With this and his later victory at Oudenaarde, he secured a reputation unrivaled until Napoleon's rise.

Encyclopedia Britannica

His skill as a parliamentary tactician was unrivaled.

Encyclopedia Britannica

C. 1501 - c. 1700 Farrukh Beg, (flourished 17th century, India) outstanding Mughal painter, praised by the Indian Mughal emperor Jahāngīr as "unrivaled in the age".

Encyclopedia Britannica

The story of his family the House of Atreus is virtually unrivaled in antiquity for complexity and corruption.

Encyclopedia Britannica

November 21, 1910 Wuxi, China December 19 , 1998Beijing, China Qian Zhongshu, Wade-Giles romanization Ch'ien Chung-shu (born November 21 , 1910 Wuxi, Jiangsu province, China died December 19 , 1998 Beijing), Chinese scholar and writer whose erudition and scholarly achievements were practically unrivaled in 20th-century China.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Nevertheless, it has been spectacularly successful in providing numerical results that are exceptionally accurate with respect to experimentally determined quantities, and in making possible expedient calculations that are unrivaled by other approaches.

SEP

As owners of the worst dive bar in South Philly, the gang, with unrivaled consistency, issues quotable lines and conjures the most uproarious, albeit profane, scenarios ever to be shown on television.

Britannica

Impelled by growing U.S. wealth and cultural aspirations and unrivaled by other forms of popular entertainment, the theatres on Broadway increased in number from about 20 in 1900 to an all-time high of 80 in 1925.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The painted bunting (P. ciris), native to the American Southeast, is sometimes called the "nonpareil" because of the male's unrivaled colouring indigo head and neck, scarlet breast, and lemon back.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "unrivaled" to emphasize that something is definitively the best in its category, without any real competition. For example, "The museum boasts an unrivaled collection of Impressionist art."

Common error

Avoid using "unrivaled" when describing something based purely on personal taste or subjective opinion. "Unrivaled" implies an objective, demonstrable superiority, not just a personal preference. For instance, it's better to say "I prefer this restaurant," rather than claiming it offers "unrivaled cuisine" if the quality is debatable.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "unrivaled" is as an adjective. It modifies a noun, describing it as being superior to all others of its kind. As Ludwig AI confirms, this term effectively conveys a sense of unmatched quality or skill.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

43%

Science

15%

News & Media

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unrivaled" is an adjective used to describe something that is superior to everything else of its kind. As Ludwig AI clarifies, it's grammatically correct and commonly used in written English to emphasize the exceptional quality of something. It is most frequently found in encyclopedias and scientific contexts, suggesting a formal register. When using "unrivaled", ensure that the context warrants such a strong claim of superiority, avoiding its misuse for subjective preferences. Consider alternatives like "unparalleled" or "unsurpassed" if a less absolute term is more appropriate. Use the phrase "unrivaled" to describe something that truly has no equal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unparalleled

Emphasizes the lack of comparison due to uniqueness.

unsurpassed

Highlights that something has not been exceeded in quality or achievement.

unequaled

Stresses the lack of equality in comparison.

matchless

Focuses on the absence of anything that can be compared favorably.

peerless

Indicates that something has no equal in terms of skill or quality.

incomparable

Highlights the impossibility of comparing something due to its exceptional nature.

second to none

Implies that something is the best and superior to all others.

unmatched

Similar to unequaled, but can also refer to a lack of direct correspondence.

supreme

Indicates the highest level of quality or authority.

preeminent

Suggests a leading position in a particular field or area.

FAQs

How can I use "unrivaled" in a sentence?

Use "unrivaled" to describe something that is superior to everything else of its kind. For example: "The chef's culinary skills are "unrivaled", making his restaurant the best in town."

What are some synonyms for "unrivaled"?

Alternatives for "unrivaled" include "unparalleled", "unsurpassed", and "incomparable". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say something is 'almost unrivaled'?

While grammatically correct, saying something is "almost "unrivaled"" slightly weakens the impact. Consider using a stronger adjective if it's truly exceptional or rephrase the sentence to better reflect the degree of superiority.

What's the difference between "unrivaled" and "unique"?

"Unique" means one of a kind, while "unrivaled" means nothing can compare to it. Something can be unique without being "unrivaled". For example, a painting might be unique because of its subject matter, but not necessarily unrivaled in artistic merit.