# virtuosity

/vɝtʃuˈɑsɪti/ (US) · /vˌɜːtjuːˈɒsɪti/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/virtuosity
Updated: 2026-10-19

## Definition

great skill at doing something very difficult, especially playing an instrument. You use it when someone performs at a level that amazes other people.

For teachers: exceptional technical mastery in performance, especially musical performance, marked by dazzling precision and fluency beyond mere competence.

## Examples

- Her virtuosity on the piano amazes everyone.
- The young violinist shows real virtuosity when she plays the fast final movement without a single mistake.
- Critics praised not only his virtuosity, which made the hardest passages sound easy, but also the quiet feeling he brought to the slow sections.

## Synonyms

mastery, brilliance, artistry

## Antonyms

incompetence

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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.