English Reference

Word

spectacular

Phoneticsspec·tac·u·lar, stress on the second syllable

US/spɛkˈtækjəɫɝ/

UK/spɛktˈækjʊlɐ/

Definitions

01impressive to see

B1 · Intermediate

adj. very exciting to look at or extremely impressive.

adj. strikingly grand, impressive, or dramatic in appearance or manner.

“The view from the top of the mountain was absolutely spectacular.”

“The sunset provided a spectacular backdrop for the outdoor wedding, with deep purples and oranges reflecting off the calm lake.”

Antonyms

ordinaryunimpressivedull

02great success or failure

B2 · Upper Intermediate

adj. used to describe a result that is much better or worse than usual.

adj. characterised by a dramatic or extreme degree of success or failure.

“The new product was a spectacular success and sold out in hours.”

“Despite the heavy investment, the project ended in a spectacular failure that forced the company to restructure its entire research department.”

Antonyms

03a grand show

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Theater

n. a very large and impressive public show or performance.

n. a lavishly produced performance or display, often involving many performers or complex visual effects.

“The city put on a Christmas spectacular with lights and music.”

“The television network's annual musical spectacular attracted millions of viewers, featuring elaborate choreography and high-budget pyrotechnics.”

Collocations

Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “spectacular” in context.

Verb

01. look spectacular

“You look spectacular in that evening gown!”

verb + adj

02. make something spectacular

“The lighting designer worked hard to make the stage spectacular for the opening night.”

verb + noun + adj

Adjective

03. spectacular failure

“The ambitious project ended in a spectacular failure due to poor planning.”

adj + noun

04. spectacular success

“The new product launch was a spectacular success, exceeding all sales targets.”

adj + noun

05. spectacular view

“The hotel room offered a spectacular view of the mountains.”

adj + noun

06. truly spectacular

“The fireworks display at the end of the ceremony was truly spectacular.”

adv + adj

Noun

07. holiday spectacular

“The city is hosting a holiday spectacular with music and dancing in the park.”

noun + noun

Real-World Examples

“Guler can be spectacular, breaking past opponents on the dribble, sparking the attack.”
Al Jazeera 15 Aug 2026
“Millions of people in Europe stepped outside Wednesday to watch a spectacular sunset with a solar eclipse.”
NPR 13 Aug 2026

Etymology

From Latin spectaculum (“a sight, show”) + -ar.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Word family

ADJECTIVE

spectacular(B2)

Domain

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This entry

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

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English Reference