Definition of Unsurpassed
Quick Meaning of Unsurpassed
Better or greater than anything else. Nothing has gone beyond it or beaten it.
Detailed Definition of Unsurpassed
Greater or better than any other; not exceeded or surpassed by anyone or anything.
How to Pronounce Unsurpassed
Stress pattern: ooO (3-syllable word).
Tip: Stress the third syllable: un-sur-PAST. Say 'un' + 'sur' + 'PAST'. The final syllable rhymes with 'last' or 'cast'.
Watch out: Learners often stress the second syllable (un-SUR-passed) instead of the third. Correct: un-sur-PAST. The word contains 'surpass' (meaning to exceed), so stress the final syllable.
Origin and Etymology of Unsurpassed
From prefix 'un-' (not) + 'surpassed' (past participle of 'surpass'). 'Surpass' comes from Old French 'surpasser' (to go beyond). 'Sur-' means 'over/beyond' + 'passer' means 'to pass'. Entered English in 15th century.
How to Use Unsurpassed in a Sentence
Each example shows “unsurpassed” with a CEFR level so learners can pick examples that match their fluency.
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“The museum's art collection is unsurpassed in its diversity and rarity.”
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“Her dedication to the project remains unsurpassed among team members.”
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“The university's research in quantum physics is unsurpassed globally.”
Synonyms and Antonyms of Unsurpassed
Common Synonyms for Unsurpassed
Smart Synonyms for Unsurpassed — When to Use Each
- unrivalled
- Synonym with identical meaning; more common in British
- matchless
- Synonym with identical meaning; more literary/poetic
- peerless
- Similar meaning; emphasizes 'without equal'; slightly more old-fashioned
Common Collocations with Unsurpassed
These phrases pair with “unsurpassed” in everyday English:
- unsurpassed quality
- unsurpassed performance
- unsurpassed achievement
- remain unsurpassed
- unsurpassed in
Common Mistakes When Using Unsurpassed
Even fluent speakers slip up with “unsurpassed”. Here’s how to avoid the most common errors:
- ✗ Wrong: Their performance is unsurpassed to others.
- ✓ Correct: Their performance is unsurpassed. / Their performance is unsurpassed by any other team.
- Why: 'Unsurpassed' is absolute (means 'not exceeded'). Use 'by' to show comparison, not 'to'.
- ✗ Wrong: This is unsurpassed good.
- ✓ Correct: This is unsurpassed in quality. / This quality is unsurpassed.
- Why: 'Unsurpassed' is an adjective, not an adverb. Don't use it to modify another adjective directly.
Words Confused With Unsurpassed
- Unsurpassed vs Unrivalled: Nearly identical in meaning; 'unsurpassed' emphasizes exceeding/surpassing, while 'unrivalled' emphasizes having no competitor
Other Forms of Unsurpassed
- Verb: surpass
- Adjective: unsurpassed
- Adverb: unsurpassedly
Frequently Asked Questions About Unsurpassed
What is the meaning of "Unsurpassed"?
Better or greater than anything else. Nothing has gone beyond it or beaten it.
How do you pronounce "Unsurpassed"?
The IPA is /ˌʌnsərˈpæst/. Stress the third syllable: un-sur-PAST. Say 'un' + 'sur' + 'PAST'. The final syllable rhymes with 'last' or 'cast'.
What part of speech is "Unsurpassed"?
"Unsurpassed" is an adjective at C2 level (Common European Framework).
What are synonyms for "Unsurpassed"?
Common synonyms include unrivalled, matchless, peerless.
How do you use "Unsurpassed" in a sentence?
For example: "The museum's art collection is unsurpassed in its diversity and rarity."