Word
unprecedented
Phoneticsun·prece·dent·ed
US/ənˈpɹɛsɪˌdɛntɪd/
UK/ʌnpɹˈɛsɪdəntɪd/
Definition
adj. never done or known before. You use this to describe something that is completely new or happens on a scale that has never been seen in the past.
adj. having no previous example or parallel in history. Often used to describe the scale, speed, or nature of a significant event that lacks a historical equivalent.
Examples
“The city is facing an unprecedented heatwave this summer.”
“The government took the unprecedented step of closing all borders to prevent the spread of the new virus.”
“The rapid integration of artificial intelligence into daily life represents an unprecedented shift in how humans interact with technology, challenging existing legal and ethical frameworks.”
Examples
simple
“The city is facing an unprecedented heatwave this summer.”
contextual
“The government took the unprecedented step of closing all borders to prevent the spread of the new virus.”
complex
“The rapid integration of artificial intelligence into daily life represents an unprecedented shift in how humans interact with technology, challenging existing legal and ethical frameworks.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “unprecedented” in context.
Verb
01. reach unprecedented levels
“Carbon dioxide concentrations in the atmosphere have reached unprecedented levels.”
verb + adj + noun
02. remain largely unprecedented
“Such a direct challenge to the leadership remains largely unprecedented in the party's history.”
verb + adv + adj
03. take unprecedented steps
“The government had to take unprecedented steps to stabilize the economy during the pandemic.”
verb + adj + noun
Adjective
04. unprecedented growth
“The tech sector has experienced unprecedented growth over the last decade.”
adj + noun
05. unprecedented in history
“The speed of the global communication network is unprecedented in history.”
adj + prep + noun
06. wholly unprecedented
“The scale of the humanitarian crisis was described by officials as wholly unprecedented.”
adv + adj
07. unprecedented fourth
Usage
Typically used to modify nouns representing events, changes, or levels of growth.
Real-World Examples
“Avi Dabush, who is running for the Knesset with Israel’s opposition Democrats party, attacked Netanyahu for mocking a critical ally at a time when Israel faces unprecedented global isolation.” “Photograph: Jiji Press/EPA At least four people died in eastern Japan after “unprecedented” heavy rain left nearly 7,000 stranded at Tokyo’s Narita airport, and forced thousands to take refuge in government buildings.” “Last year's unprecedented nationwide blackout and soaring energy prices caused by the war in the Middle East rekindled debate over the phase-out, mirroring a wider reassessment of nuclear power across Europe.” “The 2026-27 season will feature an unprecedented number of new laws, mostly designed to tackle tempo disruption and make the game quicker.” Etymology
From un- + precedent + -ed.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
ADJECTIVE
- 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.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL 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: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · AdvancedOxford
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/unprecedented