without parallel

USAGE SUMMARY

"without parallel" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to express something that has no equal or cannot be compared to anything else. For example, "Their performance was without parallel, dazzling the entire audience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The arrangement is described as "without parallel in the Western intelligence world".

BBC

Described by Historic Environment Scotland as "outstanding" and "without parallel in Scotland", they have been disused since 1987.

Vice

"It's almost without parallel".

The Guardian

She was a dancing actress without parallel.

The New Yorker

These works, primarily of precious gold, are without parallel.

The New York Times

He is confident that Factum's facsimile technology is without parallel.

The New Yorker

"Pleasure for Sale" is in its own way without parallel.

The New York Times - Arts

As an exploratory tool, the stereomicroscope is without parallel.

The New York Times - Science

AIDS ushered in a scientific research effort without parallel.

The New York Times

The global era has produced population movements of a breadth and richness without parallel in history.

The Guardian

The torrent of cash into private hands is without parallel here under Communist Party rule.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "without parallel" to emphasize the exceptional or unique nature of something, setting it apart from all others. Ensure the context clearly supports this claim of uniqueness.

Common error

Avoid using "without parallel" when the subject has comparable alternatives. Reserve this phrase for situations where genuine uniqueness or exceptional quality can be demonstrated.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "without parallel" functions as an adjective phrase, typically modifying a noun to emphasize its uniqueness or unmatched quality. It asserts that the subject lacks any equivalent or comparable entity. Ludwig confirms its valid usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "without parallel" is a powerful descriptor, employed to convey that something is uniquely exceptional and unmatched. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically sound and frequently found across various reputable sources. Its prevalence is particularly notable in News & Media, scientific literature, and encyclopedic entries. The phrase is best used when emphasizing an entity's singular nature, reserving it for cases where genuine uniqueness can be substantiated. To prevent misapplication, it's crucial to ensure that the subject genuinely lacks comparable alternatives. The synonym unrivaled is the nearest alternative. In summary, "without parallel" serves as a compelling declaration of unmatched distinction.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unmatched

This term suggests a lack of equal or competitor, emphasizing the superiority of something.

unequaled

Implies not being equaled or surpassed.

unrivaled

Highlights the lack of competition or comparison, indicating a top position.

incomparable

Means that something cannot be compared to anything else, typically due to its exceptional quality.

peerless

Suggests a lack of peers or equals, emphasizing uniqueness and high quality.

unprecedented

Indicates something that has never happened before, making it unique in terms of occurrence.

singular

Emphasizes the unique or one-of-a-kind nature of something.

unique

Focuses on the distinctiveness of something, setting it apart from others.

uncommon

Highlights how something is not regularly seen or experienced.

unexampled

Similar to unprecedented, but less frequently used. It also implies a lack of prior instances.

FAQs

How to use "without parallel" in a sentence?

Use "without parallel" to describe something that is exceptional or unique, like, "The athlete's skill was "unmatched", his dedication "unequaled", and his achievements "without peer"."

What can I say instead of "without parallel"?

You can use alternatives like "unrivaled", "incomparable", or "peerless" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "without parallel" or "unparalleled"?

"Without parallel" and "unparalleled" are both correct, but "unparalleled" is more common. "Without parallel" emphasizes the absence of equals, whereas "unparalleled" focuses on the lack of precedent. Choose depending on the intended nuance.

What's the difference between "without parallel" and "unique"?

"Unique" simply means one-of-a-kind, while "without parallel" implies not only uniqueness but also exceptional quality or achievement. Something can be unique without being particularly outstanding, but to be without parallel suggests an unmatched level of excellence.