Unique
What it means
The only one of its kind, or distinct in a way that matters.
Reach for it when identifying genuine singularity or a clearly distinguishing quality
The archive preserves a unique recording of the poet reading to her first class.
Words to choose between 8
| everyday | |
|---|---|
| warm | |
| professional | |
| formal | |
| literary |
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everyday
Fits when a creation is not copied and shows independent thought
Careful Original does not mean no other thing shares its category or features.
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everyday
rare
Fits when scarcity rather than absolute oneness is accurate
Careful Rare admits multiple examples and should replace unique when that is the evidence.
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warm
Fits when affectionate emphasis on individuality suits the audience
Careful One-of-a-kind sounds promotional and often overstates what a factual description can support.
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warm
Fits when personal value matters more than factual rarity
Careful Special is sincere but too vague for a resume or evidence-based claim.
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professional
Fits when recognizable character matters without claiming absolute singularity
Careful Distinctive is safer when comparable examples exist.
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formal
singular
Fits when exceptional or one-of-a-kind status deserves an elevated word
Careful Singular can sound literary or mean odd, which may distract in everyday praise.
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formal
Fits when nothing comparable equals the quality being praised
Careful Unparalleled claims superiority, while unique only claims difference.
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literary
idiosyncratic
Fits when unusual individual traits are central
Careful Idiosyncratic can suggest oddness and may not feel complimentary.
Opposites 3
- common
- ordinary
- interchangeable
Common phrases 3
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unique perspective
Her unique perspective joined clinical training with experience as a patient.
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truly unique
The truly unique manuscript contains corrections in both authors' handwriting.
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unique opportunity
The residency offered a unique opportunity to design with the future residents.
Word family 1
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: Neskaya, American accent, from Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 Updated