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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!
уникальный, единственный в своем роде, уникум
прилагательное ↓
- единственный в своём роде, уникальный
unique feature — тех. особенность конструкции (данной модели) 
perhaps a unique survival — возможно, единственный оставшийся в живых
this picture is thought to be unique — эта картина считается уникальной
- особенный
unique opportunity — исключительная возможность
to possess unique ability in smth. — обладать необычайными способностями к чему-л.
- разг. необыкновенный, странный, удивительный
she dressed in a most unique fashion — она одевалась необыкновенно эксцентрично
Мои примеры
Словосочетания
Примеры с переводом
The problem has a unique solution.
Задача имеет единственное решение.
She has a unique writing style.
У неё уникальная манера письма.
It is a unique in English history.
В английской истории это единственное в своём роде событие.
She had unique ability in raising funds.
У неё был редкий талант привлекать денежные средства.
Japan’s unique cultural heritage
неповторимое /уникальное/ культурное наследие Японии
This letter is a unique document of incalculable value.
Это письмо — уникальный документ неизмеримой ценности.
Everyone has a unique fingerprint.
Каждый обладает уникальным отпечатком пальцев.
ещё 17 примеров свернуть
Примеры, ожидающие перевода
The valley has its own unique microclimate. 
DJ Dominic purveys a unique brand of music.
Bach was unique in his handling of counterpoint
Для того чтобы добавить вариант перевода, кликните по иконке ☰, напротив примера.
Возможные однокоренные слова
uniqueness — уникальность
uniquely — уникально, единственно, единственным образом, однозначно
Table of Contents
- What does Unique mean in a person?
- What does this word mean unique?
- What is an example of unique?
- Does original mean unique?
- Is it a compliment to be called unique?
- Is unique positive or negative?
- Does Unique mean special?
- Is it an original or a original?
- How do you describe original?
- What do you say when someone says you are unique?
- How can I describe a person in one word?
- What makes someone unique and special?
- What is an original example?
- What does unique sentence mean?
- When people say your unique?
- How do you use the word unique?
- What is a good sentence for unique?
- Which is the best definition of the word unique?
- Which is the best definition of the word you · Nique?
- What makes a person unique in the world?
- What does the phrase’the only one’mean?
What is another word for unique?
What does Unique mean in a person?
—used to say that something or someone is unlike anything or anyone else. : very special or unusual. : belonging to or connected with only one particular thing, place, or person.
What does this word mean unique?
adjective. existing as the only one or as the sole example; single; solitary in type or characteristics: a unique copy of an ancient manuscript. having no like or equal; unparalleled; incomparable: Bach was unique in his handling of counterpoint.
What is an example of unique?
The definition of unique is one of a kind. An example of unique is a necklace with a personalized message on the charm. Highly unusual, extraordinary, rare, etc. Being the only one of its kind.
| exclusive | classic |
|---|---|
| unparalleled | unprecedented |
| incomparable | inimitable |
| irreplaceable | matchless |
| one-off | standout |
Does original mean unique?
Original-the first of something. “Unique,” at its core, means “one of a kind,” or “nothing else like it exists”. In usage, it can mean that, or it can mean, “very different from what you normally would see or expect,” like Erinite said. “Original” mean “the first way it’s done”.
Is it a compliment to be called unique?
In a world full of copycats and wannabes, being unique is one of the best compliments you can get. It means that you are the kind of person who does not settle for the status quo. Instead, you are someone who is not afraid to be yourself, even if that makes you a little different from everyone else.
Is unique positive or negative?
Connotative Words: Examples
| Positive Connotation | Neutral Connotation | Negative Connotation |
|---|---|---|
| unique | different | peculiar |
| meticulous | selective | picky |
| vintage | old | decrepit |
| elated | happy | manic |
Does Unique mean special?
Meaning of unique in English. being the only existing one of its type or, more generally, unusual, or special in some way: Each person’s genetic code is unique except in the case of identical twins.
Is it an original or a original?
Which is correct, ‘an original’ or ‘a original’? – Quora. Most conveniently, using “an” before the word, ‘original’ is preferable because according to the lesson on grammar in the chapter of Articles, “an” is predicted to be used before a word starting with a vowel letter.
How do you describe original?
Original comes from the Latin word originem, which means “beginning or birth.” Whether you’re using it as an adjective to describe something that is literally the very first, or as a noun meaning something that serves as a model for making copies, original means “first.” Even when you describe an original idea, meaning …
What do you say when someone says you are unique?
How to answer “What makes you unique?”
- Mention skills listed in the job description.
- Provide examples from your background.
- Avoid generic phrases like “I’m a hard worker”.
- Include key personality traits that will allow you to deliver similar results in the future.
How can I describe a person in one word?
Affable — He’s easy to talk to. Agreeable — He’s enjoyable to talk to. Amiable — He’s friendly and nice. Charming — He has a “magic” effect that makes people like him.
What makes someone unique and special?
Their temperament, attitude, thoughts, beliefs, behavior, and character. Your personality is very unique, and it is what other people see when they interact with you. Often people will describe people based on their personality, which shows how unique it is.
What is an original example?
The definition of an original is the earliest form of something, or something different and unique. The very first iPod ever created is an example of the original iPod. A painting actually painted by Van Gogh, as opposed to a copy or reprint, is an example of an original Van Gogh.
What does unique sentence mean?
Definition of Unique. without match; distinct. Examples of Unique in a sentence. 1. Kate’s unique hairstyle captured everyone’s attention.
When people say your unique?
when someone says that you are unique, s/he means that you are one of a kind, that there’s no one else like you.
How do you use the word unique?
Unique sentence example
- His paintings were so unique as to require no signature for identification.
- Some humans are born with unique , supernatural talents.
- It wasn’t so unique to be traceable.
- He drifted to the ground, supported by Yully’s unique magic.
What is a good sentence for unique?
It was a unique chance to show his devotion to the Emperor and he had not made use of it…. And my unique gift could make the bad guys immune to the good guys. Ouray, he told them, was unique in the world.
Which is the best definition of the word unique?
See more synonyms for unique on Thesaurus.com. adjective. existing as the only one or as the sole example; single; solitary in type or characteristics: a unique copy of an ancient manuscript.
Which is the best definition of the word you · Nique?
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.
What makes a person unique in the world?
something that is unique is unusual or the only one of its type: Fast-growing companies are in a unique position to attract the best candidates. Over the past 15 years, she has made a unique contribution to the country’s business environment. a unique opportunity /set of circumstances.
What does the phrase’the only one’mean?
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.
unique — перевод на русский
/juːˈniːk/
Because I believe you are an exceptional man, unique, I would almost say, a phenomenon.
— Поскольку я полагаю, что вы исключительный человек уникальный.
You must be practically unique, then.
Выходит, вы совершенно уникальный человек.
But this afternoon, I had the unique experience of being flattered sought after and catered to by several beautiful women who competed for my attention.
Но сегодня я получил уникальный опыт. Мне льстили, угождали, я чувствовал себя желанным для красивых женщин, которые боролись за моё внимание.
Not only gay and beautiful, but in one thing unique:
Не только веселый и прекрасный, но в чем-то даже уникальный:
A unique case, of course.
Уникальный, естественно.
Показать ещё примеры для «уникальный»…
But Jessie St. James was against Unique performing as his true magical self.
Но Джесси Сент-Джеймс был против выступления Юник в его истинном волшебном воплощении.
In any case, Unique is now a show choir celebrity.
В любом случае, сейчас Юник — звезда хора.
And the cherry on top of the Vocal Adrenaline sundae is their secret weapon, Unique.
И вишенка на вершине мороженного Вокального Адреналина — их секретное оружие — Юник.
It’s the Unique factor that gives Vocal Adrenaline its edge.
Юник — это фактор, который дает Вокальному Адреналину преимущество.
They love props, and Unique is the ultimate prop.
Они любят реквизит, а Юник — это главный реквизит.
Показать ещё примеры для «юник»…
THEN IT’S UNIQUE.
Это необычно.
In 3 parts. How unique.
Как необычно!
It is so unique to be able to touch you, my youngling, my ever-so-young youngling.
Это так необычно — прикоснуться к тебе … Моя малышка. Моя пра-пра…правнучка.
It’s been… unique.
Было … необычно.
Показать ещё примеры для «необычно»…
It’s very unique though.
Это что-то особенное.
— Well, that’s… and a more unique product.
Это что-то особенное.
I knew you’d do something unique.
Я знал, что ты сделаешь что-то особенное.
Like you had something unique to offer the world if you could just get people to see it.
И что вы можете подарить этому миру что-то особенное? Если только он обратит на вас внимание.
There has to be something unique to this infection, something about its transmission, the way it manifests.
Должно быть что-то особенное в этой инфекции. В том как она передаётся И как себя проявляет.
Показать ещё примеры для «особенное»…
Unique in the world, no tricks, no accomplices, no helpers.
Единственный в мире, никаких фокусов, никаких ассистентов, никаких помощников.
Nice to meet you. Ilan, I’ m going to make you an offer, first and last and unique.
Послушай, Илан, я хочу предложить тебе первый и единственный раз.
No, I was already in mourning for myself, my sole and unique companion.
Нет, я уже носил траур по себе — он мой верный и единственный компаньон.
Absolutely, and utterly unique?
Абсурдный. И потому — единственный.
I am uniquely qualified to know just how technologically infantile humans are.
Я единственный, кто понимает, насколько примитивные технологии использует человеческая раса.
Показать ещё примеры для «единственный»…
I’d say we have a pretty unique connection.
Я бы сказал, у меня с ней особый вид знакомства.
You certainly have a unique way of looking at things, Ani.
В конце-концов, из-за неё я тебя и повстречал. Без сомнения, у тебя особый взгляд на вещи, Эни.
Unique situation.
Особый случай.
— No, look. Everyone in the group has their own unique gift.
У каждого в нашей группе есть свой особый дар.
The bullets were laced with curare, a rare and deadly poison, the killer’s unique M.O.
Пули содержат кураре — редкий и смертельный яд — особый «почерк» убийцы.
Показать ещё примеры для «особый»…
EACH WITH ITS OWN UNIQUE PERSONALITY.
У каждой свой неповторимый характер.
Ladies and gentlemen, an only Tony unique penguin our price -3500 euros -10000!
Дамы и господа, единственный и неповторимый Тони пингвин. — Начальная цена 3500 евро. — 10 000!
— We have our own unique bouquet. — Huh.
Мы имеем свой неповторимый букет ароматов.
So, Bob Grange and his delightful wife Patty saw to our every need and also missed no opportunity to expose us to the unique local flavor.
Так, Боб Грэдж и его восхитительная жена Патти прислушивались к каждой нашей просьбе, а также не упустили возможности показать нам неповторимый местный колорит.
Same unique talent, blood type, same antibiotic allergies, even the same phobia.
Такой же неповторимый талант, та же группа крови, аллергия на те же антибиотики, даже страхи совпадают.
Показать ещё примеры для «неповторимый»…
It’s a unique custom they have.
Это исключительно их обычай.
A prime example of that uniquely American institution;
Вот яркий пример исключительно американского института:
As you see, in the right hands, this can be uniquely useful.
Как видите, в верных руках это может быть исключительно полезным.
— We are quite uniquely situated to use what weapons we have in our father’s cause.
— Наше положение… исключительно благоприятно, чтобы воспользоваться… имеющимся у нас оружием, в интересах отца.
No, he’s uniquely eccentric.
Он просто исключительно эксцентричен.
Показать ещё примеры для «исключительно»…
He may be on to some Unique romantic theme
В нём звучит редкий романтичный мотив.
And that’s a very unique soil type.
И это очень редкий вид почвы.
This type of divination is unique.
Очень редкий случай.
I think that’s a very unique license plate.
Это очень редкий номерной знак.
A unique talent for pattern recognition.
Редкий дар распознавать закономерности в данных.
Показать ещё примеры для «редкий»…
That is to say, it’s unique… taking nothing as its cause.
То есть, это — единство, уникальность, основанная на пустоте…,
That’s what was so unique in Ozu’s films, and above all, in his later ones.
Именно в этом состоит уникальность фильмов Одзу. Особенно поздних.
What’s unique about it is that it features a new quantity called the wave function which Schroedinger claimed completely described the behaviour of the sub-atomic world.
≈го уникальность заключаетс€ в том, что выражает новое количество названое функцией волны Ўредингера, который утверждал, что полностью описал поведение податомного мира.
I’ve given this a lot of thought, and recognize how unique this situation is.
Я потратила много времени на размышления, и должна признать уникальность этой ситуации.
Unless the contents of this phone are unique, you couldn’t sell them.
До тех пор пока не доказана уникальность этих фото, продать их не представляется возможным.
Показать ещё примеры для «уникальность»…
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1
: being the only one : sole
his unique concern was his own comfort
I can’t walk away with a unique copy. Suppose I lost it?—
Kingsley Amis
the unique factorization of a number into prime factors
2
a
: being without a like or equal : unequaled
… he could stare at the flames, each one new, violent, unique …—Robert Coover
c
: able to be distinguished from all others of its class or type : distinct sense 1
App Tracking works by Apple assigning a unique identifier to your device.—Ben Lovejoy
You will see an assortment of digital tags that let the Web site identify your computer as a unique visitor.—Peter H. Lewis
The site sees an average of 227 million unique users per month …—West Hartford (Connecticut) News: Web Edition Articles
3
: unusual
a very unique ball-point pen
… we were fairly unique, the sixty of us, in that there wasn’t one good mixer in the bunch.—J. D. Salinger
Can something be very unique or somewhat unique?: Usage Guide
Many commentators have objected to the comparison or modification (as by somewhat or very) of unique, often asserting that a thing is either unique or it is not. Objections are based chiefly on the assumption that unique has but a single absolute sense, an assumption contradicted by information readily available in a dictionary. Unique dates back to the 17th century but was little used until the end of the 18th when, according to the Oxford English Dictionary, it was reacquired from French. H. J. Todd entered it as a foreign word in his edition (1818) of Johnson’s Dictionary, characterizing it as «affected and useless.» Around the middle of the 19th century it ceased to be considered foreign and came into considerable popular use. With popular use came a broadening of application beyond the original two meanings (here numbered senses 1 and 2a). In modern use both comparison and modification are widespread and standard but are confined to the extended senses 2b and 3. When sense 1 or sense 2a is intended, unique is used without qualifying modifiers.
Synonyms
Choose the Right Synonym for unique
strange, singular, unique, peculiar, eccentric, erratic, odd, quaint, outlandish mean departing from what is ordinary, usual, or to be expected.
strange stresses unfamiliarity and may apply to the foreign, the unnatural, the unaccountable.
a journey filled with strange sights
singular suggests individuality or puzzling strangeness.
a singular feeling of impending disaster
unique implies singularity and the fact of being without a known parallel.
a career unique in the annals of science
peculiar implies a marked distinctiveness.
the peculiar status of America’s First Lady
eccentric suggests a wide divergence from the usual or normal especially in behavior.
the eccentric eating habits of preschoolers
erratic stresses a capricious and unpredictable wandering or deviating.
a friend’s suddenly erratic behavior
odd applies to a departure from the regular or expected.
quaint suggests an old-fashioned but pleasant oddness.
outlandish applies to what is uncouth, bizarre, or barbaric.
outlandish fashions of the time
Example Sentences
There are no clear blueprints to be discovered in history that can help us shape the future as we wish. Each historical event is a unique congeries of factors, people, or chronology.
—Margaret McMillan, Dangerous Games, 2008
[Tiger] Wood’s unique skill set was on display again at last week’s U.S. Open, but this victory was more visceral. It was all heart.
—Alan Shipnuck, Sports Illustrated, 23 June 2008
Space is a strange and unique item—you can’t take it to a lab and analyze it like beef jerky.
—Bob Berman, Astronomy, November 2007
A century ago a doctor was considered to be part of a social elite. He—and medicine was then very much a masculine endeavor—had a unique mastery of a special body of knowledge. He professed a commitment to levels of competence and integrity that he expected society to respect and trust.
—Richard Horton, New York Review of Books, 31 May 2007
Most stars are not born in isolation but instead in groups of several thousand to tens of thousands, all of which emerge from the same parent cloud of gas. Each cloud has a unique and homogeneous mix of chemical elements and isotopes, which its stellar progeny inherits. Even when the stars disperse, they retain their unique chemical tag …
—Rodrigo Ibata et al., Scientific American, April 2007
As a dozen new books will testify, our nation is in the midst of a great barbecue renaissance, with each region proudly claiming its own unique style.
—Ruth Reichl, Gourmet, July 2005
She’s in the unique position of running for office against her husband.
Humans are unique among mammals in several respects.
See More
Recent Examples on the Web
This is a feeling that is, for me, unique to running.
—Alli Harvey, Anchorage Daily News, 9 Apr. 2023
Its unique blend of ingredients provides an effective clean, while being gentle on your fabrics.
—Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 7 Apr. 2023
Book Now Advertisement — Continue Reading Below 4 Carillon Wellness Resort, Miami From cupping to cryotherapy, Carillon Miami Wellness Resort offers a unique blend of Western, Eastern, and alternative medicines.
—Sean Santiago, ELLE Decor, 7 Apr. 2023
The saga began in mid-March when a hacker used flash loans—a peculiar type of ultra-short-term loan unique to DeFi—to trick Euler’s protocol into paying him nearly $200 million.
—Jeff John Roberts, Fortune Crypto, 6 Apr. 2023
Note: The sizes are unique to the brand, so pay attention to the size chart linked in the item description.
—Emilia Benton, womenshealthmag.com, 6 Apr. 2023
Homelessness and tent encampments aren’t unique to Parramore, though officials believe the neighborhood has the densest population.
—Ryan Gillespie, Orlando Sentinel, 6 Apr. 2023
Shop Now 3 DuraLife by Barrette Outdoor Living Made from a unique blend of polypropylene and hardwood composite, Barrette Outdoor Living’s DuraLife gives conventional wooden decks an innovative upgrade.
—Kelsey Mulvey, House Beautiful, 6 Apr. 2023
These figures open a window on a set of pathologies unique to America among developed countries.
—Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 5 Apr. 2023
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These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word ‘unique.’ Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
French, from Latin unicus, from unus one — more at one
First Known Use
1601, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Time Traveler
The first known use of unique was
in 1601
Dictionary Entries Near unique
Cite this Entry
“Unique.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unique. Accessed 14 Apr. 2023.
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adjective
existing as the only one or as the sole example; single; solitary in type or characteristics: a unique copy of an ancient manuscript.
having no like or equal; unparalleled; incomparable: Bach was unique in his handling of counterpoint.
limited in occurrence to a given class, situation, or area: a species unique to Australia.
limited to a single outcome or result; without alternative possibilities: Certain types of problems have unique solutions.
not typical; unusual: She has a very unique smile.
noun
the embodiment of unique characteristics; the only specimen of a given kind: The unique is also the improbable.
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Origin of unique
First recorded in 1595–1605; from French, from Latin ūnicus, equivalent to ūn(us) “one” + -icus -ic
usage note for unique
Many authors of usage guides, editors, teachers, and others feel strongly that such “absolute” words as complete, equal, perfect, and especially unique cannot be compared because of their “meaning”: a word that denotes an absolute condition cannot be described as denoting more or less than that absolute condition. 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, most, absolutely, somewhat, and totally and some of which cannot.
The earliest meanings of unique when it entered English around the beginning of the 17th century 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. The comparison of so-called absolutes in senses that are not absolute is standard in all varieties of speech and writing.
See also a1, complete, perfect.
OTHER WORDS FROM unique
u·nique·ly, adverbu·nique·ness, nounnon·u·nique, adjectivenon·u·nique·ly, adverb
Words nearby unique
uniplanar, unipod, unipolar, unipotent, unipotential, unique, uniqueness, uniramous, unironically, UNISA, uniseptate
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Words related to unique
different, exclusive, particular, rare, uncommon, exceptional, extraordinary, singular, special, strange, unparalleled, unprecedented, weird, individual, lone, one, one and only, onliest, separate, single
How to use unique in a sentence
-
TikTok keeps millions of users glued to their screens, and offers unique opportunities for brands to promote their products and go viral by using TikTok for business.
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We asked them why they wanted to use us, and how their needs are unique.
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Our database is filled with thousands of big brands, brands you know, websites you visit every day that are struggling with getting their unique, indexable URLs indexed by Google.
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In March, the site had 68 million unique users, 136% more than March 2019, according to Comscore.
-
In typical Apple style, the mask looks unique with large coverings on the top and bottom for the wearer’s nose and chin.
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Prevalence depends on context, and sometimes unique advantages outweigh the genetic costs.
-
The most exciting and thrillingly unique artist to surface in 2014.
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Like Edgar, he remembers a unique time when American rappers came down and performed at the Primer Festival de Rap Cubano.
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Christmas is unique in that it is a global holiday celebrated all over the world by humanity.
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But that was probably the least unique thing about her childhood.
-
The order of meals at Lane End was somewhat peculiar even then, and would now be almost unique.
-
They are unique; that lady there is the Du Barry—a portrait worth, alone, six thousand francs.
-
It is these unique coincidences and recurrences that make it so easy to find relations between these sovereigns.
-
It is the one which is sometimes called in books on economics the case of an unique monopoly.
-
Oh that their ranks could be kept filled and that a mould so unique was being used to its fullest in forming new regulars.
British Dictionary definitions for unique
adjective
being the only one of a particular type; single; sole
without equal or like; unparalleled
informal very remarkable or unusual
maths
- leading to only one resultthe sum of two integers is unique
- having precisely one valuethe unique positive square root of 4 is 2
Derived forms of unique
uniquely, adverbuniqueness, noun
Word Origin for unique
C17: via French from Latin ūnicus unparalleled, from ūnus one
usage for unique
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 & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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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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
unique: translation
Synonyms and related words:
a certain, absolute, almost unheard-of, alone, an, another, any, any one, appropriate, atomic, authentic, avant-garde, azygous, beguiling, bewildering, beyond compare, beyond comparison, breakaway, celibate, characteristic, creative, different, distinctive, distinguished, easily first, either, else, enigmatic, exceptional, exclusive, extraordinary, fabulous, facile princeps, fantastic, fascinating, first and last, firsthand, fresh, idiocratic, idiosyncratic, imaginative, immortal, impair, in character, incomparable, incomprehensible, inconceivable, incredible, individual, indivisible, infrequent, inimitable, integral, intrinsic, invincible, irreducible, lone, marked, marvelous, matchless, miraculous, monadic, monistic, new, not that sort, not the same, not the type, novel, nulli secundus, odd, of a sort, of another sort, of sorts, offbeat, one, one and only, only, only-begotten, original, other, other than, otherwise, outlandish, particular, passing strange, peculiar, peerless, phenomenal, prodigious, proper, puzzling, quintessential, rare, recherche, remarkable, revolutionary, scarce, second to none, seldom met with, seldom seen, sensational, separate, simple, single, singular, slow, sole, solid, solitary, solo, sparse, special, strange, striking, stupendous, sui generis, true to form, unanalyzable, unapproachable, unapproached, unbeatable, uncommon, uncustomary, underived, undivided, undreamed-of, unequaled, unexampled, unexcelled, unexpected, unfamiliar, unfrequent, unheard-of, uniform, unimaginable, unitary, unmatchable, unmatched, unordinary, unpaired, unparagoned, unparalleled, unpeered, unprecedented, unrepeatable, unrepeated, unrivaled, unsurpassable, unsurpassed, unthinkable, unthought-of, unusual, unwonted, whole, without equal, without parallel, wonderful, wondrous
END {if (nonempty) {for (i in files) print i;};} ‘`; if test — z «$ (ETAGS_ARGS) $$tags$$unique«; then:; else test — n «$$unique» | | unique = $$empty_fix; ❋ Thebeaky (2010)
Short introduction: A cryptographic hash-function is a function where you can put in any data and you’ll get a unique, fixed-size value. »unique« in this case scenario means that it’s very hard to calculate two different strings matching to the same hash value. ❋ Unknown (2010)
Kashi’s 7 Whole Grain Puffs is said to have a unique flavour derived from the sesame seeds bursting at high temperature and imparting their unique flavour to the cereal. ❋ Unknown (2008)
BE: When we first started i came up with the term unique edition. ❋ Max Eternity (2011)
And the company’s use of the term «unique visitors» is «the same as everyone,» he says. ❋ DAVID MILSTEAD (2011)
I am sure I have never before used the word unique with such exactness. ❋ Alan C. Greenberg (2010)
I suppose that the term unique in discussing the craft activity at Johnson’s Island was confusing. ❋ Unknown (1999)
My response, «But I am working, just from home,» completely baffles them and they gaze at me with an expression unique to children: «Daddy says the funniest things.» ❋ THOMAS KLASSEN (2012)
A spokeswoman said the icon had been used by the troops to identify themselves as scout snipers, a designation unique to the Marine Corps, and was never intended to have Nazi connotations. ❋ Raf Sanchez (2012)
For more than 10 years, the term unique visitors has been known as the count of unique cookies (de-duplicated over the period of analysis) to a Web site.
But he referred to the administration’s work to rush what he called «unique capabilities» to the field, an oblique reference to classified programs like the stepped-up construction of a CIA drone-launching base in the Persian Gulf region to use the unmanned aircraft to hunt militants in Yemen. ❋ Unknown (2011)
With classic L.A arrogance, owner/madman Sebastian freaked out and dumped all of Gordon’s restaurant changes and went back to what he called a «unique» menu that consisted of over 10,000 possible menu combinations you choose the meat, than the sauce on top, than the pasta/side that goes with it… ❋ Harmon Leon (2011)
Marlena Cervantes, 30, of Big Sky, Mont., is the owner of FlexPetz, which she described as a unique concept for dog lovers who are unable to own a pet, but miss spending time with a dog. ❋ Unknown (2008)
Being [one of a kind]
Someone [going left] when everyone else is going right.
Being different from [the rest].
Person 1: She’s so uniquePerson 2: She is she’s so special one of a kind ❋ Forever Someone Special (2017)
[My name is] unique, [your name] is very unique! Because [your one] of a kind ❋ Missbluberry (2015)
[Unique] people are those who have many [weird] qualities but [execute] them well ❋ Lola3 (2010)
Her [feather] [hat] was unique. ❋ Modinogoesrawr (2006)
FOLLOWER: » omg i should buy that, its [IN STYLE]!
UNIQUE: » WHY?!:S its fucking ugly
FOLLOWER: But if I don’t, I’ll be a total [lozer]!! BESIDES EVERYONE ELSE HAS IT!
UNIQUE: » *bitchslaps* YOUR SUCH A FOLLOWER. BE [YUU], BITCH!:@ ❋ Thats Rite, Imma Hater (2008)
everyone wear [hollister].she wears [volcom] [clothes] so shes unique. ❋ Preppychick21 (2009)
Kate has a well-devoloped mind and makes [straight A’s]. She is unique. Matt’s a [dimwit] who tries to bring a [pocket knife] to elemetary school. He is unique. ❋ A Person Who Won An Award In Sixth Grade For Being Unique Just Because I Dressed Differently (2006)
Girl 1: That was a very UNIQUE choice of clothing…
Girl 1 behind other girls back: That is the UGLIEST thing I have EVERRR seen!
Girl 2 [two weeks] later to Girl 1:[Wowwww] aren’t you wearing exactly what you called ugly just two weeks [agooo]? ❋ Who Cares Who I Am I Know And Thats All That Matters (2006)
Myself as a whole is unique. My [idea] of people not being unique isn’t as someone [out there] probably has had a similar thought. ❋ Jassles (2008)
I’ve been to several funerals, but [this one] was unique— there was [confetti] [in the coffin]. ❋ Kitti Papaver (2015)