unexceptional
gb/ʌnˈɛksˈɛpʃənəl/ us/ʌnˈɛksˈɛpʃənəl/
C1
English
Senses
0 senses
adjective
formal
C1
property
1
ordinary; not unusual
normal and not special or surprising.
Usage pattern:
[something] is unexceptional (for [place/time/group])
Common mistake:
Do not confuse with unexceptionable (= not open to criticism); unexceptional means 'not special'.
Synonyms
ordinary (More common and slightly less formal.)
|
typical (Emphasizes what is expected for a type or group.)
|
average (Highlights the middle level rather than uniqueness.)
Antonyms
exceptional (Unusually good or remarkable.)
|
unusual (Not typical; different from what is expected.)
Collocations
an unexceptional day
|an unexceptional result
|an unexceptional year
|an unexceptional town
|unexceptional weather
|an unexceptional case
|fairly unexceptional
|rather unexceptional
|completely unexceptional
|unexceptional for the season
Themes
daily_life
|describing_things
Examples
- Apart from one heavy shower, the weather was unexceptional for April.
- The report describes the incident as unexceptional and not linked to any wider risk.
- She led an unexceptional life in a small coastal town.
Learner examples
- It was an unexceptional day at work.
- The test results were unexceptional.
adjective
formal
C1
property
2
not impressive; mediocre
not very good; only average.
Usage pattern:
an unexceptional [performance/result/career]
Common mistake:
Unexceptional usually implies mild criticism (less positive than 'ordinary') when used to judge quality.
Synonyms
mediocre (More strongly negative; suggests below what is hoped for.)
|
uninspiring (Emphasizes lack of excitement or originality.)
|
unremarkable (Focuses on not being worth noticing; can be neutral or mildly negative.)
Antonyms
outstanding (Clearly better than others.)
|
impressive (Creates admiration because of quality or success.)
Collocations
an unexceptional performance
|an unexceptional season
|an unexceptional career
|unexceptional service
|unexceptional writing
|unexceptional food
|an unexceptional score
|pretty unexceptional
|decidedly unexceptional
|a solid but unexceptional effort
Themes
work
|education
|arts_and_media
|evaluation
Examples
- The team had an unexceptional season and finished mid-table.
- Critics found the plot predictable and the acting unexceptional.
- Customer service was polite but unexceptional.
Learner examples
- His performance was unexceptional.
- The meal was unexceptional and overpriced.
Grammar
Dictionary form
unexceptional
IPA
GB/ʌnˈɛksˈɛpʃənəl/
US/ʌnˈɛksˈɛpʃənəl/
Syllables & stress
un - ex - cep - tion - al (5 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (ex)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: unexceptional
Expressions
No expressions linked to this entry yet.