# preeminent

/pɹiˈɛmənənt/ (US) · /pɹiːˈɛmɪnənt/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/preeminent
Updated: 2026-05-26

## Definition

the most important, successful, or respected in a particular field. You use this to describe someone or something that is at the very top of their group.

For teachers: holding the highest rank, position, or authority; most prominent or distinguished. Often used to describe a person's standing in a professional or academic field.

## Examples

- She is a preeminent expert in her field.
- The university is a preeminent center for medical research, attracting top scientists from around the world.
- While many competitors entered the market, the firm remained the preeminent authority on digital privacy, setting the standards that others eventually followed.

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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.