You use exceptional to describe someone or something that has a particular quality, usually a good quality, to anunusually high degree.
[approval]
...children with exceptional ability.
His translation is exceptional in its poetic quality.
exceptionallyadverb [ADVERB adjective/adverb]
He's an exceptionally talented dancer.
The conditions under ground were exceptionally hot.
2. adjective
Exceptional situations and incidents are unusual and only likely to happen very infrequently.
[formal]
...if the courts hold that this case is exceptional.
Magistrates would have the discretion to impose a community order.
Synonyms: unusual, special, odd, strange More Synonyms of exceptional
exceptionallyadverb
Exceptionally, in times of emergency, we may send a team of experts.
At your request we may agree, exceptionally, to work outside usual working hours.
Synonyms: unusually, very, particularly, surprisingly More Synonyms of exceptional
More Synonyms of exceptional
exceptional in British English
(ɪkˈsɛpʃənəl)
adjective
1.
forming an exception; not ordinary
2.
having much more than average intelligence, ability, or skill
Derived forms
exceptionally (exˈceptionally)
adverb
exceptional in American English
(ikˈsepʃənl)
adjective
1.
forming an exception or rare instance; unusual; extraordinary
The warm weather was exceptional for January
2.
unusually excellent; superior
an exceptional violinist
3. Education(of a child)
a.
being intellectually gifted
b.
requiring special schooling as a result of a physical or mental disability
Derived forms
exceptionality
noun
exceptionally
adverb
exceptionalness
noun
Word origin
[1840–50; exception + -al1]
Examples of 'exceptional' in a sentence
exceptional
Pay awards are linked to earnings per share after adjustments for exceptional items.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
They can earn more in exceptional circumstances.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
The review also recommended that information about childhood convictions should not be disclosed by police to prospective employers except in exceptional circumstances.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Since 2003 suspended sentences can be imposed irrespective of whether there are exceptional circumstances.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
It is an exceptional case.
The Sun (2016)
Yesterday he was good for country but I wonder whether something exceptional was required.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
The full settlement will be listed as an exceptional item in the retailer's full-year results next month.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Yet something similar has happened in exceptional cases of hypothermia.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
Their batting is good without being exceptional.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
Holding a student of exceptional ability back can have a similar effect.
Steinberg, Laurence & Levine, Ann You and Your Adolescent: A Parents' Guide for Ages 10 to 20 (1990)
The company will book sizeable exceptional items this financial year and next to account for the restructuring.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
This is a case where there are exceptional circumstances.
The Sun (2008)
We worked on it and the players were exceptional.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
They have to do something pretty exceptional to stand out from the crowd.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
His military training and interest in gliding meant that his exceptional flying skills were there when needed.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
He had an exceptional quality of mind which he used with rapidity and total clarity.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
This is an exceptional case and if action is not taken it could end tragically.
The Sun (2010)
Her popularity can be traced to her exceptional good humour.
The Sun (2009)
His technical control extended to an exceptional ability to reduce the voice in finely sustained soft passages.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
One suspects that some companies might have been tempted to take these as exceptional items.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
The panel decided that there were no exceptional circumstances that warranted an increase.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
They have a lot of exceptional players and play expansive football.
The Sun (2015)
It is quite exceptional for something of this importance to turn up unrecognised in a garden.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
Here it was that he honed his exceptional skills as an auctioneer.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
But initial arguments defending its supposed exceptional quality were subject to many weaknesses.
Yearley, Steven Science, Technology, and Social Change (1988)
Talk through how you might handle the exceptional cases.
Christianity Today (2000)
Exceptional musical ability has long been linked to neurological conditions.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
The limit is a legal requirement unless there are exceptional circumstances.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
The facilities and views may be exceptional, but the pitch is becoming a laughing stock.
The Sun (2010)
Exceptional items, joint ventures and impairment of assets were excluded.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
A number of the exhibitions have also been blessed with exceptional good fortune.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
Of course the Canadian case may be highly exceptional, but only further international comparative study will confirm or deny that it is representative.
Collins, Richard Television - policy and culture (1990)
In other languages
exceptional
British English: exceptional /ɪkˈsɛpʃənl/ ADJECTIVE
You use exceptional to describe someone or something that has a particular quality to an unusually high degree.