# extraordinary

/ˌɛkstɹəˈɔɹdəˌnɛɹi/ (US) · /ɛkstɹˈɔːdɪnəɹi/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/extraordinary
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. unusual or surprising

adjective · CEFR B2

very unusual or strange in a way that attracts your attention.

For teachers: deviating from what is ordinary, usual, or expected; highly atypical.

- 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.

### 2. remarkably good

adjective · CEFR B2

extremely good or impressive.

For teachers: 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.

### 3. special or additional

adjective · CEFR C1 · Formal

used to describe a person or meeting that is extra or has a special purpose.

For teachers: employed or convoked for a special purpose or in addition to the regular staff or schedule.

- 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'.

### 4. the unusual

noun · CEFR C2 · Literary

something that is not normal or ordinary.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The young pianist gave an extraordinary performance last night.
- Scientists were surprised by the extraordinary speed at which the new virus spread through the population.
- The diplomat's extraordinary ability to navigate conflicting cultural expectations allowed the peace talks to continue when they seemed destined for failure.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.