English Reference
noun

excellence

n.
US /ˈɛksəɫəns/ UK /ˈɛksələns/ ex·cel·lence UK spelling excellences

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    the quality of being outstanding or extremely good.

    the state or quality of being exceptionally good; superior merit or virtue.

    Simple

    The school is known for its academic excellence and high test scores.

    In context

    The university has established a global reputation for research excellence, consistently attracting the most prestigious grants in the field of biotechnology.

    Usage

    Usually uncountable when referring to a general quality.

  2. 02 C1 Advanced Formal

    a title used to show great respect to important people like ambassadors or church leaders.

    a title of honour or respect addressed to high-ranking officials; more frequently encountered as 'Excellency'.

    Simple

    The letter was addressed to His Excellence, the Ambassador of France.

    In context

    Protocol dictates that the visiting dignitary be addressed as Your Excellence throughout the duration of the formal state dinner.

    Teacher's tip

    In modern English, 'Excellency' is much more common than 'Excellence' when used as a formal title.

City are a best-in-class organisation, who can be used as an exemplar of how to pursue excellence on and off the field.

The Guardian· 18 Aug 2026

Beppi’s, a 70-year-old Italian restaurant institution in Sydney founded by Beppi and Norma Polese, claimed the reader-voted “enduring excellence” award.

The Guardian· 17 Aug 2026
This entry
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Common
Updated