Unprecedented

Definition

Unprecedented describes something that has not been done or experienced before.

Parts of Speech

• Adjective

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˌʌnˈprɛsɪdɛntɪd/
• Respelling: uhn-PRES-ih-dent-id (with "uhn" as a schwa sound like the 'u' in "sun," "PRES" as in "press," "ih" as in "bit," "dent" as in "dent," and "id" as in "did")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ʌnˈprɛsɪdɛntɪd/
• Respelling: uhn-PRES-ih-dent-id (similar to American English, with "uhn" as in "sun," "PRES" like in "press," "ih" as in "bit," "dent" as in "dent," and "id" as in "did")

In both dialects, "unprecedented" is pronounced with the primary stress on the "PRES" syllable. The word starts with "uhn," a schwa sound akin to the 'u' in "sun," followed by "PRES," then "ih-dent-id," with "ih" as in "bit," "dent" as in "dent," and "id" as in "did." The pronunciation is quite similar between American and British English, with the primary differences potentially in the subtle nuances of vowel sounds.

Etymology

The term "unprecedented" is formed by combining the prefix "un-", meaning "not", with the word "precedented", which is derived from the verb "precede". "Precede" comes from the Latin word "praecedere", where "prae-" means "before" and "cedere" means "to go".

Derivatives

• Unprecedentedly
• Unprecedentedness

(Note: There are fewer than five major derivatives for this term.)

Synonyms

• Novel
• Unheard-of
• Unique

Antonyms

• Commonplace
• Customary
• Familiar

Usage

• "The technological advancements of the 21st century are often described as unprecedented."
• "The athlete's performance was unprecedented in the history of the sport."

Related Terms

• Novelty
• Innovation
• Breakthrough

Detailed Definition

Adjective

• Without Previous Instance: Never done or known before; without previous example or precedent.
• Example: The global response to the pandemic was of an unprecedented scale.

• Surpassing Known Standards: Exceeding what is familiar or customary.
• Example: The film's success at the box office was unprecedented for a documentary.