# illustrious

/ˌɪˈɫəstɹiəs/ (US) · /ɪlˈʌstɹɪəs/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/illustrious
Updated: 2026-05-06

## Definition

very famous and respected because of great achievements. You use this to describe someone with a long, successful career.

For teachers: highly distinguished, renowned, or eminent. Often describes a career, history, or person of significant accomplishment.

## Examples

- She enjoyed an illustrious career as a concert pianist.
- The university is proud of its illustrious alumni, which include several Nobel Prize winners and world leaders.
- After decades of public service, the senator retired with an illustrious reputation for integrity and bipartisan cooperation.

## Usage notes

- Typically used attributively before a noun; often pairs with 'career', 'history', or 'reputation'.

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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.