unsurpassed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unsurpassed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is unmatched or has no equal in quality or performance. Example: "Her talent for painting is unsurpassed, making her one of the most celebrated artists of our time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is a region with an unsurpassed ability to export wars and recessions.

The Economist

For the state retains a potential unsurpassed elsewhere.

The Economist

For most of the past 50 years, India has been run by politicians of unsurpassed venality, to whom an educated mass is a threat.

The Economist

From Wall Street to Washington, Mr Greenspan is credited with an unsurpassed understanding of America's economy, as he has steered monetary policy to achieve rapid growth, low employment and low inflation.

The Economist

Television's ability to build brands by surrounding adverts with gripping content is unsurpassed.

The Economist

The twin towers were a courageous statement of pride in America's unsurpassed material prosperity.

The Economist

Some say (only half in jest) that Exxon's real challenge now is not below ground, where its excellence is unsurpassed, but in managing "above-ground risks".

The Economist

If Venice's best-known painter, Canaletto, created imposing framed memories for Grand Tourists to enjoy back home, Guardi captured the city's moods: its damp and heat or the drama of San Marcuola in flames.Guardi is unsurpassed as Venice's poet in paint.

The Economist

How can a place which has so much going for it from its diversity and natural beauty to its unsurpassed talent clusters in Silicon Valley and Hollywood be so poorly governed?It is tempting to accuse those doing the governing.

The Economist

But a chapter in a forthcoming book, "Intoxication and Society", by Philip Withington, a Cambridge historian, argues that it was the educated elite who taught Britons how to drink to excess.In the 17th century, England experienced a rise in educational enrolment unsurpassed until the early 20th century.

The Economist

"His death in Paris last Saturday by his own hand represents the veritably tragic wreck of a career which in its sphere was unsurpassed by that of any individual in living memory," it said.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "unsurpassed" when you want to emphasize that something is genuinely the best, without any equal in its category. This adds a strong and definitive tone to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "unsurpassed" when describing purely subjective qualities, where preferences can vary widely. It's more appropriate for objectively measurable or widely recognized achievements.

Linguistic Context

The primary function of "unsurpassed" is to serve as an adjective, modifying a noun to indicate that it is the best or greatest of its kind, without equal. As confirmed by Ludwig, this word is commonly used in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

35%

News & Media

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unsurpassed" is a powerful adjective used to describe something of the highest quality, without equal. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. Predominantly found in encyclopedias, news media, and academic contexts, this term denotes exceptional superiority. When employing "unsurpassed", ensure it applies to objective qualities rather than subjective preferences, and consider alternatives like "unmatched", "unequaled", or "unrivaled" to add nuance to your writing. Its consistent presence across diverse authoritative sources underscores its reliability and importance in formal and professional communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unmatched

Focuses on the lack of any equal in a specific comparison.

unequaled

Emphasizes the absence of parity or equivalence.

unrivaled

Highlights the lack of competition or contenders.

unparalleled

Stresses the uniqueness and lack of precedent.

supreme

Indicates the highest degree of quality or authority.

preeminent

Suggests outstanding distinction and superiority.

peerless

Implies that there are no comparable individuals or entities.

incomparable

Highlights the impossibility of comparison due to exceptional quality.

transcendent

Suggests exceeding ordinary limits or standards.

best in class

A common idiom denoting top performance within a specific category.

FAQs

How can I use "unsurpassed" in a sentence?

Use "unsurpassed" to describe something that is the best or greatest, without equal. For instance, "The chef's culinary skills are "unsurpassed", making his restaurant the most popular in town."

What can I say instead of "unsurpassed"?

You can use alternatives like "unmatched", "unequaled", or "unrivaled" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "unsurpassed" in formal writing?

"Unsurpassed" is suitable for formal writing when describing something with objectively superior qualities. It should be used cautiously to avoid hyperbole, especially if the superiority is debatable.

What is the difference between "unsurpassed" and "unprecedented"?

"Unsurpassed" means the best or greatest, while "unprecedented" means never having happened or existed before. Something unprecedented might not be "unsurpassed" in quality.