Word
extraordinary
Phoneticsex·tra·or·di·nary
US/ˌɛkstɹəˈɔɹdəˌnɛɹi/
UK/ɛkstɹˈɔːdɪnəɹi/
Definitions
01unusual or surprising
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. very unusual or strange in a way that attracts your attention.
adj. deviating from what is ordinary, usual, or expected; highly atypical.
日本語:異例※
“It was an extraordinary coincidence that we both wore the same dress to the party.”
“The witness provided an extraordinary account of the events, describing details that seemed to defy the laws of physics.”
Synonyms
02remarkably good
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. extremely good or impressive.
adj. surpassing the usual standards of excellence; exceptionally high in quality.
“The young pianist gave an extraordinary performance that left the audience in tears.”
“Her extraordinary talent for diplomacy allowed the two nations to reach an agreement after years of stalemate.”
Synonyms
03special or additional
C1 · Advanced Formal
adj. used to describe a person or meeting that is extra or has a special purpose.
adj. employed or convoked for a special purpose or in addition to the regular staff or schedule.
日本語:臨時※
“The company called an extraordinary meeting to discuss the sudden merger.”
“The board of directors convened an extraordinary general meeting to address the urgent liquidity crisis facing the firm.”
Usage
Often follows the noun in official titles, such as 'Ambassador Extraordinary'.
Synonyms
04the unusual
C2 · Proficiency Uncountable noun Literary
n. something that is not normal or ordinary.
n. that which lies outside the bounds of ordinary experience or occurrence.
“In his stories, the extraordinary becomes part of everyday life.”
“The poet sought to find the extraordinary within the mundane, elevating simple daily tasks to the level of the divine.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “extraordinary” in context.
Verb
01. achieve extraordinary results
“The new marketing strategy helped the company achieve extraordinary results this quarter.”
verb + adj + noun
02. find the story extraordinary
“Most critics found the story extraordinary because of its unique perspective.”
verb + noun + adj
03. possess extraordinary strength
“Some athletes possess extraordinary strength that allows them to break world records.”
verb + adj + noun
Adjective
04. extraordinary achievement
“Completing the marathon after his injury was an extraordinary achievement.”
adj + noun
05. extraordinary circumstances
“The meeting was postponed due to extraordinary circumstances beyond our control.”
adj + noun
06. extraordinary talent
“The young pianist showed an extraordinary talent for composing original music.”
adj + noun
07. extraordinary to witness
“It was extraordinary to witness the solar eclipse in such a clear sky.”
adj + infinitive
08. truly extraordinary
“The view from the top of the mountain was truly extraordinary.”
adv + adj
09. extraordinary life
Real-World Examples
“Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said Carson's win was "an extraordinary achievement and a proud moment for Canada".” “A cathedral choir can give a child access to world-class musical training , extraordinary cultural experiences and educational opportunities that might otherwise be beyond their reach.” “I found it difficult to accept that he would not make “his music” available to everyone – that he would not leave behind something of his extraordinary musical vision.” “The game was once used by hunters to indicate a successful hunt and demands extraordinary strength, balance and control.” Etymology
From Latin extrāōrdinārius, from extrā ōrdinem (“outside the order”). By surface analysis, extra- + ordinary. Doublet of extraordinaire.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/extraordinary
※ 機械で選んだ訳語です。ネイティブスピーカーによる確認はまだです。
「日本語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0