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unique

unique

3.5
The only one of its kind
  • adjective
  • /juˈnik/
translation icon : único
  • The island has a unique ecosystem that cannot be found anywhere else in the world.
  • a unique opportunity
  • a unique insight
  • a unique perspective

There's just something so unique about being by yourself.

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Examples

  • I intentionally try to understand each patient's or family's unique story and circumstances.

    Academic text (2011)
  • Most of the students were able to appreciate the unique university environment with a positive attitude.

    Academic text (2011)
  • That means the set of those lines is unique to the target.

  • And there is something quite unique about black history.

  • This is a unique and wonderful moment.

  • Just as all students are unique, each class of students has a unique group dynamic.

    Academic text (2011)
  • I think British people have a very unique sense of humour.

  • Lived in England, so this is a unique opportunity to come down to support the lads.

  • 'This is a unique moment 'in the history of space exploration.

  • I am so blessed to have two unique sons.

Synonyms

special
vsunique
1.0

Made for a particular person, purpose, or occasion

is strictly about being the lone example not just being different or made for someone
unprecedented
vsunique
235 6.3

Has never happened before

is about being the only example rather than being new in time
one of a kind
vsunique
66 3.6

Only one thing or person like it exists

is used for items that exist only in a specific place or group
one and only
vsunique
65 3.9

A single person or thing that is special and has no equal

is the neutral adjective for being the sole example without added emphasis
unparalleled
vsunique
38 6.7

Better than anything else in quality or size

is about being the sole example rather than degree of quality
singular
vsunique
34 5.6

The only one of its kind

is about plain sole existence rather than being especially outstanding
peculiar
vsunique
18 4.2

A feature that belongs only to one person, group, or place

is about sole existence across situations rather than just local distinctiveness
idiosyncratic
vsunique
17 8.1

A way of thinking or behaving that is unusual and particular to one person

is about being the only example rather than personal peculiarity
sui generis
vsunique
  • Formal
1 9.9

One of a kind and unlike anything else

is about being the only instance rather than forming a separate class
monotypic
vsunique
  • Specialized
9.9

Having only one species or kind in a group

is the broader adjective for sole existence beyond technical group labels

Antonyms

797 1.0

Happening often or seen in many places

683 1.0

Normal and not special or unusual

Compounds

A one-of-a-kind event or moment that you cannot have again

A different way of doing something that no one else uses

2 3.9

A special mix of flavors and qualities that makes something different

unique identifier
  • Specialized
2 3.8

A code, number or name that stands for one record in a system

1 3.9

A special style that makes someone or something stand out

1 3.7

A quality that makes a person or thing stand out

A way of speaking a language in one place that is different from other places

unique biotope
  • Specialized
9.0

An area with plants and animals that live only there

unique gruit
  • Archaic
9.9

A beer brewed with a mix of herbs and spices instead of hops

The personal experiences and events that make someone different from others

unique rhymery
  • Literature
9.9

A special way of making rhymes that makes a writer's lines sound different

How Unique

one of a kind
66 3.6
unique
3.5
distinct
168 3.5
common
797 1.0

Surface Forms

unique positive
uniquer comparative
uniquest superlative

Etymology

Unique comes from the Latin words unus 'one' and unicus 'single', so to call something unique is to say it is the 'only one' of its kind, unlike anything else.