Surpassing the best result that had previously been officially recorded.
Reach for it when celebrating a verified new high in performance, scale, or speed
A record-breaking turnout filled every volunteer shift before noon.
| playful | |
|---|---|
| everyday |
|
| professional | |
| formal |
playful
Fits when a plain informal superlative suits the audience
Careful Best-ever can reflect opinion unless the measure is specified.
everyday
historic
Fits when lasting significance matters more than a numerical best
Careful A historic event may be important without breaking any record.
professional
all-time high
Fits when the measured peak itself should be named
Careful All-time high is a noun phrase for the level, not a general adjective for the event.
professional
chart-topping
Fits when rank on a published music or sales chart is meant
Careful Chart-topping is limited to ranked popularity, not every measurable achievement.
formal
Fits when the achievement marks an important stage
Careful Landmark praises importance rather than exceeding a prior maximum.
formal
unprecedented
Fits when nothing comparable is known to have happened before
Careful Unprecedented does not require a measured record and can be used too loosely.
record-breaking performance
The record-breaking performance combined fast pacing with flawless exchanges.
record-breaking year
A record-breaking year brought the food bank more donors and more requests.
record-breaking number
A record-breaking number of residents voted in the neighborhood election.
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: Wodencafe, American accent, from Wikimedia Commons, CC0 Updated
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