How is 'unprecedented' different from 'unique' and 'unusual'?

Is 'unprecedented' formal or informal in business writing?

Can you give an example sentence with 'unprecedented'?

It is formal and common in academic and news contexts.

What are common phrases using 'unprecedented'?

No common single-word synonym; use 'unique', 'unusual', or 'without precedent' depending on context.

Is 'unprecedented' used in business writing?

It is used in phrases like 'unprecedented scale' and 'unprecedented times'.

← Dictionary

unprecedented

/ʌnˈprɛsɪdənt/

IELTSAcademic

adjective

Never having happened before; unlike anything seen earlier. Often used for important events or new levels of scale or intensity. Suitable for formal and academic contexts.

The policy brought about unprecedented reform in the sector.
We are facing unprecedented challenges in climate action.

Adinary Nuance

Distinguish 'unprecedented' from near-synonyms like 'unique', 'unusual', and 'without precedent'. It is more formal and is preferred in academic and news contexts for describing events without prior example.

In other languages

Spanish: Sin precedente
Japanese: 前例のない
Korean: 전례 없는
Vietnamese: Chưa từng có
Chinese: 史无前例的

Etymology

Not included — see a history dictionary for Latin roots and 20th-century rise in use.

Common phrases

unprecedented scaleunprecedented changeunprecedented timesreach an unprecedented level

Synonyms

unique unusual unparalleled without precedent incomparable

Frequently asked questions

How is 'unprecedented' different from 'unique' and 'unusual'?: Is 'unprecedented' formal or informal in business writing?
Can you give an example sentence with 'unprecedented'?: It is formal and common in academic and news contexts.
What are common phrases using 'unprecedented'?: No common single-word synonym; use 'unique', 'unusual', or 'without precedent' depending on context.
Is 'unprecedented' used in business writing?: It is used in phrases like 'unprecedented scale' and 'unprecedented times'.