How is the word unique distinct from other similar adjectives?
Some common synonyms of unique are eccentric, erratic, odd, outlandish, peculiar, quaint, singular, and strange. While all these words mean «departing from what is ordinary, usual, or to be expected,» unique implies singularity and the fact of being without a known parallel.
a career unique in the annals of science
When would eccentric be a good substitute for unique?
While in some cases nearly identical to unique, eccentric suggests a wide divergence from the usual or normal especially in behavior.
the eccentric eating habits of preschoolers
When can erratic be used instead of unique?
The meanings of erratic and unique largely overlap; however, erratic stresses a capricious and unpredictable wandering or deviating.
a friend’s suddenly erratic behavior
Where would odd be a reasonable alternative to unique?
The words odd and unique are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, odd applies to a departure from the regular or expected.
When is it sensible to use outlandish instead of unique?
In some situations, the words outlandish and unique are roughly equivalent. However, outlandish applies to what is uncouth, bizarre, or barbaric.
outlandish fashions of the time
When could peculiar be used to replace unique?
The synonyms peculiar and unique are sometimes interchangeable, but peculiar implies a marked distinctiveness.
the peculiar status of America’s first lady
When might quaint be a better fit than unique?
Although the words quaint and unique have much in common, quaint suggests an old-fashioned but pleasant oddness.
When is singular a more appropriate choice than unique?
The words singular and unique can be used in similar contexts, but singular suggests individuality or puzzling strangeness.
a singular feeling of impending disaster
In what contexts can strange take the place of unique?
While the synonyms strange and unique are close in meaning, strange stresses unfamiliarity and may apply to the foreign, the unnatural, the unaccountable.
a journey filled with strange sights
u·nique
(yo͞o-nēk′)
adj.
1. Being the only one of its kind: the unique existing example of Donne’s handwriting.
2. Characteristic only of a particular category or entity: a weather pattern that is unique to coastal areas.
3. Remarkable; extraordinary: a unique opportunity to buy a house.
u·nique′ly adv.
u·nique′ness n.
Usage Note: Unique may be the foremost example of an absolute term—a term that, in the eyes of traditional grammarians, should not allow comparison or modification by an adverb of degree like very, somewhat, or quite. Thus, most grammarians believe that it is incorrect to say that something is very unique or more unique than something else, though phrases such as nearly unique and almost unique are presumably acceptable, since in these cases unique is not modified by an adverb of degree. A substantial majority of the Usage Panel supports the traditional view. In our 2004 survey, 66 percent of the Panelists disapproved of the sentence Her designs are quite unique in today’s fashion, although in our 1988 survey, 80 percent rejected this same sentence, suggesting that resistance to this usage may be waning. · In fact, the nontraditional modification of unique may be found in the work of many reputable writers and has certainly been put to effective use: «I am in the rather unique position of being the son, the grandson, and the great-grandson of preachers» (Martin Luther King, Jr.).«The creature is so unique in its style and appearance that the biologists who discovered it have given it not just its own species name … but have moved way up the classification scale and declared that it is an entirely new phylum» (Natalie Angier). See Usage Notes at absolute, equal.
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
unique
(juːˈniːk)
adj
1. being the only one of a particular type; single; sole
2. without equal or like; unparalleled
3. informal very remarkable or unusual
4. (Mathematics) maths
a. leading to only one result: the sum of two integers is unique.
b. having precisely one value: the unique positive square root of 4 is 2.
[C17: via French from Latin ūnicus unparalleled, from ūnus one]
uˈniquely adv
uˈniqueness n
Usage: Unique is normally taken to describe an absolute state, i.e. one that cannot be qualified. Thus something is either unique or not unique; it cannot be rather unique or very unique. However, unique is sometimes used informally to mean very remarkable or unusual and this makes it possible to use comparatives or intensifiers with it, although many people object to this use
Collins English Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged, 12th Edition 2014 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2014
u•nique
(yuˈnik)
adj.
1. existing as the only one or as the sole example; single; solitary in type or characteristics.
2. having no like or equal; unparalleled; incomparable.
3. limited in occurrence to a given class, situation, or area.
4. not typical; unusual: She has a very unique ability to inspire people.
n.
5. the embodiment of unique characteristics; the only one of a given kind.
[1595–1605; < French < Latin ūnicus, derivative of ūn(us) one]
u•nique′ly, adv.
u•nique′ness, n.
usage: Many usage guides, editors, teachers, and others maintain that such “absolute” words as complete, equal, perfect, and esp. unique cannot be compared because the condition they denote cannot be more or less than it already is. However, all such words have undergone semantic development and are used in a number of senses, some of which can be compared by words like more, very, somewhat, and totally and some of which cannot. The earliest meanings of unique when it entered English around 1600 were “single, sole” and “having no equal.” By the mid-19th century unique had developed a wider meaning, “not typical, unusual,” and it is in this wider sense that it is compared: The foliage on the late-blooming plants is more unique than that on the earlier varieties. Such comparison, though criticized, is standard in all varieties of speech and writing. See also a1, complete, perfect.
Random House Kernerman Webster’s College Dictionary, © 2010 K Dictionaries Ltd. Copyright 2005, 1997, 1991 by Random House, Inc. All rights reserved.
unique
1. used to mean ‘the only one’
If something is unique, it is the only thing of its kind.
This is a unique opportunity.
Humans are unique because they have the capacity to choose what they do.
For emphasis, you can use words such as totally or absolutely in front of unique.
By the late 1930’s the country had full employment — an absolutely unique achievement.
You can say that something is almost unique.
You suffer from an almost unique mental condition.
2. used to mean ‘unusual’
Some people use unique to mean ‘unusual’. They say, for example, that something is very unique or rather unique.
Oh, I say, that’s rather unique, isn’t it?
I realized I had hit on something pretty unique.
These uses of unique are generally thought to be incorrect.
Collins COBUILD English Usage © HarperCollins Publishers 1992, 2004, 2011, 2012
ThesaurusAntonymsRelated WordsSynonymsLegend:
| Adj. | 1. |  unique — radically distinctive and without equal; «he is alone in the field of microbiology»; «this theory is altogether alone in its penetration of the problem»; «Bach was unique in his handling of counterpoint»; «craftsmen whose skill is unequaled»; «unparalleled athletic ability»; «a breakdown of law unparalleled in our history»
unequaled, unequalled, unparalleled, alone incomparable, uncomparable — such that comparison is impossible; unsuitable for comparison or lacking features that can be compared; «an incomparable week of rest and pleasure»; «the computer proceeds with its incomparable logic and efficiency»; «this report is incomparable with the earlier ones because of different breakdowns of the data» |
| 2. |  unique — (followed by `to’) applying exclusively to a given category or condition or locality; «a species unique to Australia»
specific — (sometimes followed by `to’) applying to or characterized by or distinguishing something particular or special or unique; «rules with specific application»; «demands specific to the job»; «a specific and detailed account of the accident» |
|
| 3. |  unique — the single one of its kind; «a singular example»; «the unique existing example of Donne’s handwriting»; «a unique copy of an ancient manuscript»; «certain types of problems have unique solutions»
singular single — existing alone or consisting of one entity or part or aspect or individual; «upon the hill stood a single tower»; «had but a single thought which was to escape»; «a single survivor»; «a single serving»; «a single lens»; «a single thickness» |
|
| 4. |  unique — highly unusual or rare but not the single instance; «spoke with a unique accent»; «had unique ability in raising funds»; «a frankness unique in literature»; «a unique dining experience»
unusual — not usual or common or ordinary; «a scene of unusual beauty»; «a man of unusual ability»; «cruel and unusual punishment»; «an unusual meteorite» |
Based on WordNet 3.0, Farlex clipart collection. © 2003-2012 Princeton University, Farlex Inc.
unique
adjective
1. distinct, special, exclusive, peculiar, only, single, lone, solitary, one and only, sui generis The area has its own unique language, Catalan.
2. unparalleled, unrivalled, incomparable, inimitable, unmatched, peerless, unequalled, matchless, without equal, nonpareil, unexampled She was a woman of unique talent and determination.
3. (with to) exclusive to, particular to, peculiar to, found only in, characteristic of, typical of This interesting and charming creature is unique to Borneo.
Usage: Unique with the meaning `being the only one’ or `having no equal’ describes an absolute state: a case unique in British law. In this use it cannot therefore be qualified; something is either unique or not unique. However, unique is also very commonly used in the sense of `remarkable’ or `exceptional’, particularly in the language of advertising, and in this meaning it can be used with qualifying words such as rather, quite, etc. Since many people object to this use, it is best avoided in formal and serious writing.
Collins Thesaurus of the English Language – Complete and Unabridged 2nd Edition. 2002 © HarperCollins Publishers 1995, 2002
unique
adjective
1. Alone in a given category:
2. Without equal or rival:
alone, incomparable, matchless, nonpareil, only, peerless, singular, unequaled, unexampled, unmatched, unparalleled, unrivaled.
The American Heritage® Roget’s Thesaurus. Copyright © 2013, 2014 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
Translations
فَرِيدفَريد، فَذ، مُنْقَطِع النَّظير
jedinečný
unikenestående
unika
ainutlaatuinen
jedinstven
einstakur
独特の
독특하다독특한
unikalus
unikālsvienreizējs
edinstven
unik
มีลักษณะเฉพาะ
duy nhất
Collins Spanish Dictionary — Complete and Unabridged 8th Edition 2005 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1971, 1988 © HarperCollins Publishers 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997, 2000, 2003, 2005
Collins English/French Electronic Resource. © HarperCollins Publishers 2005
unique
Collins German Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged 7th Edition 2005. © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1980 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1997, 1999, 2004, 2005, 2007
unique
[juːˈniːk] adj → unico/a
Collins Italian Dictionary 1st Edition © HarperCollins Publishers 1995
unique
(juːˈniːk) adjective
being the only one of its kind, or having no equal. His style is unique.
Kernerman English Multilingual Dictionary © 2006-2013 K Dictionaries Ltd.
unique
→ فَرِيد jedinečný unik einzigartig μοναδικός único ainutlaatuinen unique jedinstven unico 独特の 독특한 uniek unik wyjątkowy único уникальный unik มีลักษณะเฉพาะ eşsiz duy nhất 独特的
Multilingual Translator © HarperCollins Publishers 2009
unique
a. único-a; solo-a; que se distingue de otros.
English-Spanish Medical Dictionary © Farlex 2012
By
Last updated:
December 6, 2022
“Unique” is a great word.
It also has at least four slightly different meanings, but I will show you how to use “unique” correctly.
I will also share 23 words that are alternatives (words that are similar but slightly different) to “unique,” which are written in italics.
Contents
- Unique as a Blue Diamond
- Unique Like an Odd Duck
- Unique as One and Only
- Review: All the Different Ways to Say “Unique”
Download:
This blog post is available as a convenient and portable PDF that you
can take anywhere.
Click here to get a copy. (Download)
Unique as a Blue Diamond
Blue diamonds are beautiful. If you happen to dig one up, you will be rich because they are worth tens of thousands of dollars (or pounds or rubes). A huge 29.6-carat blue diamond was just discovered in a South African mine. It’s the largest in the world, even bigger than the blue diamonds in the London Crown Jewels.
“Unique” in this first definition is a huge compliment. “Unique” here means “the best there is.”
Here are alternative words for a blue diamond kind of “unique”:
Exclusive means “only for the high-class people,” such as exclusive seats at the theater or on an airplane.
Rare means “seldom found” or “something that doesn’t happen very often.” Be careful though. At a restaurant, “rare” also means to have your steak barely cooked.
Spectacular is close to the word “impressive,” only it implies that something is even greater. Extravagant (very fancy) movie sets with lots of lights and glitter might be called spectacular.
Have no equal means exactly what the phrase suggests: nothing is better.
Matchless also means what the phrase offers. This thing is so good that nothing can match it.
The next few words add prefixes that are clues to the meaning. Putting “in” or “un” in front of a word means “not.” Therefore….
“Surpass” means to go farther, so unsurpassed means that it is not possible to go farther.
“Rival” means to compete to be the winner. Unrivaled means nothing else can beat it.
“Comparable” means something is like or similar to another. Incomparable means nothing is like it.
Unique Like an Odd Duck
An odd duck is an idiom that implies uniqueness in a less than positive way. It’s not exactly bad, but it is not always a compliment either.
Unique as a blue diamond means something wonderful. Unique as an odd duck means being different or atypical, meaning not typical or normal.
It’s a definition that is understood more clearly in the way the word is said, rather than just how the word is used in a sentence.
Picture this: A guy shows up at your office wearing plaid shorts, a spotted tie and a fuzzy hat. It’s not dress-up day. No one else looks like he does. He does not fit in at work and he does not seem to care.
You look at him, tilt your head, smile slightly to your friend, and say, “Well, he’s … (pause) unique.”
You are not calling the guy in the fuzzy hat a bad person.
You are describing him as different or curious, meaning not what might be expected. (Be careful: Curious also means eager to investigate.)
If you wanted to describe him as being “over the top” different, you might call him bizarre. You are saying he is so different that he is just funny. You might call some Mardi Gras costumes bizarre.
Another example: Matthais Jeske is a DJ and actor who slicks back his hair with gel, wears horn-rimmed glasses and goes by the nickname “Mister 1960.” He also won a Broadcast Education Association award for his on-air personality.
Some of his peers might call him unconventional, meaning not following everyone’s patterns or behaviors. Most people his age wear T-shirts and blue jeans, not skinny ties. Others might call him unusual, meaning someone who does not follow the usual or the norm.
But still others are probably going to call him weird. They are going to see him as odd or strange. Sometimes the word “weird” can be used in an ironic way to mean interesting. But most often, “weird,” “odd” and “strange” all have slightly negative meanings. To call someone odd means his or her behavior makes you feel uncomfortable. Not terribly uncomfortable, just a little bit so.
Jeske could be called quirky, which most likely would be a slight compliment. Yes, he is an odd duck, but he also is a snappy dresser and drives a cool car, in this case a ’60 Chevy Impala.
All of these alternatives to “unique” range from mildly negative to slightly positive.
Sometimes “unique” can refer to an extremely bad, unexpected experience. Then, you want to use the word freak, as in “freak accident.” For example, a dancer in Chicago died when a metal ring fell off on stage and struck him in the head. That’s a freak accident.
Please do not describe a person with a disability or physical deformity as a freak, though you may hear it used in slang. You will end up offending the person and be seen as insensitive (unkind).
Unique as One and Only
“Unique” can be used to describe something or someone as distinctive, or as having an appealing (pleasant) quality different from others. You might also say singular, meaning an individual thing or person better than expected.
For example, The Guardian described Bubba Watson’s style of playing golf as unique. The writer even called his style “Bubba golf.” The way Watson plays the game is based on the way players back in the 1960s swung their clubs and held their feet. It is distinctive from the way other players now play the game.
Sometimes, “unique” can as mean new or novel. Scientists in Australia found a novel way to study dinosaur tracks on the rugged western coastline. Rather than just relying on overhead photography and tracking equipment, scientists walked with aborigine (native Australian) people whose ancestors had lived on the land for thousands of years. The Goolarabooloo were able to show the scientists tracks that they hadn’t known about. Walking with the aborigine was a novel or unique approach to doing science.
Similarly, “unique” can also mean original or something you come up with on your own. The Pivot television network announced it would be producing four original shows to build up its audience of Millennials (young adults between the ages of 18 and 35). The shows are unique or original, meaning they are new and different compared to other programs. Plus, Pivot is producing the shows itself and not rerunning old programs that have already been aired.
Review: All the Different Ways to Say “Unique”
Unique as a Blue Diamond:
Exclusive
Rare
Spectacular
Have no equal
Matchless
Unsurpassed
Unrivaled
Incomparable
Unique Like an Odd Duck:
Atypical
Different
Curious
Bizarre
Unconventional
Unusual
Weird
Odd
Strange
Quirky
Freak
Unique as One and Only:
Distinctive
Singular
Novel
Original
Download:
This blog post is available as a convenient and portable PDF that you
can take anywhere.
Click here to get a copy. (Download)
Learning synonyms is a great way to improve your English as an advanced learner.
Be sure to keep an eye out (look) for these new words in the news, your ESL podcasts and your favorite sitcoms. Subtitles on Netflix movies and FluentU English language videos also make it easier to find your unique vocabulary and practice them.
Now, try to use some of these words in conversation!
Other forms: uniquest; uniquer
If something is unique, it’s the only one around. You might think getting a nose ring would make you unique, until you see five other people on the street with the same piercing.
If someone calls you unique you know that you are very special. The reason is that the Latin prefix uni- means «one.» (Technically speaking, it isn’t possible to be «very unique» — you either are or you’re not.) Think of the prefix in unicorn for a creature with one horn and unicycle for a cycle with one wheel.
Definitions of unique
-
adjective
the single one of its kind
“the
unique existing example of Donne’s handwriting”“a
unique copy of an ancient manuscript”“certain types of problems have
unique solutions”-
synonyms:
singular
-
single
existing alone or consisting of one entity or part or aspect or individual
-
single
-
adjective
radically distinctive and without equal
“Bach was
unique in his handling of counterpoint”-
synonyms:
alone, unequaled, unequalled, unparalleled
-
incomparable, uncomparable
such that comparison is impossible; unsuitable for comparison or lacking features that can be compared
-
incomparable, uncomparable
-
adjective
highly unusual or rare but not the single instance
“spoke with a
unique accent”“had
unique ability in raising funds”“a frankness
unique in literature”“a
unique dining experience”-
Synonyms:
-
unusual
not usual or common or ordinary
-
unusual
-
adjective
(followed by `to’) applying exclusively to a given category or condition or locality
“a species
unique to Australia”-
Synonyms:
-
specific
(sometimes followed by `to’) applying to or characterized by or distinguishing something particular or special or unique
-
specific
DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘unique’.
Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors.
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Unique, meaning being the only one of its kind, is the quintessential uncomparable adjective. Because a thing either is or isn’t the only one of its kind, to say something is quite unique, somewhat unique, or more or less unique than something else is illogical.
For example, these writers use unique where interesting, curious, or unusual might make more sense:
Naima Adedapo was certainly one of the more unique and original artists on the stage on this season’s “American Idol”. [Wall Street Journal]
This new routine is very unique with a lot of circuit-style training that is done at a very quick pace. [Edmonton Journal]
For those of you who are unfamiliar with the Pulitzer process, it is one of the most unique of all the major arts prizes — for many reasons. [Los Angeles Times]
But that so many people treat unique as a comparable adjective suggests that the word has gained a secondary definition. In addition to being the only one of its kind, the word could also be defined as very remarkable or unusual.