C1adjectiveformalsocietyhistory
US/ʌnˈpres.ɪ.den.tɪd/
UK/ʌnˈpres.ɪ.den.tɪd/
never having happened or existed before; without any earlier example
In context
The city faced an unprecedented flood last spring.
Sales grew at an unprecedented rate during the holiday season.
The court's decision was unprecedented in the history of the country.
Words that go with unprecedented
adjective + noun
- unprecedented levelPollution has reached an unprecedented level.
- unprecedented scaleThe crisis spread on an unprecedented scale.
- unprecedented growthThe company enjoyed unprecedented growth.
- unprecedented stepThe government took the unprecedented step of closing the border.
adverb + adjective
- almost unprecedentedSuch cooperation is almost unprecedented.
- historically unprecedentedThe speed of change is historically unprecedented.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
an unprecedent eventCorrect: an unprecedented event