Definition

Something that has never happened before or has no previous example.

Example

The pandemic caused an unprecedented change in how we work and live.

Comparatives & Superlatives

Conversation

Did you hear about the unprecedented changes in our town's park?

Yeah, I read that they’re adding new trails and a playground!

It's amazing how much they’re investing in it; I've never seen anything like this before.

I know, right? It’s great to see such unprecedented improvements happening.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Unprecedented → It is formed from "un-" (meaning not) and "precedent" (from Latin "praecedens", meaning going before). The word "unprecedented" means not having a previous example or instance, indicating something that has never happened before.

Memory Tip

Think of something that is 'not' ('un-') 'going before' ('precedent') — that's why unprecedented means something that has never happened before.

Visually Confused Words