Exceptional vs. Outstanding — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 26, 2023
"Exceptional" refers to being rare, unusual, or extraordinarily good, while "Outstanding" denotes something extremely good or noticeably superior to others.
Difference Between Exceptional and Outstanding
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Exceptional" is generally used to describe something that is rare, unusual, or extraordinary in quality, often implying that it surpasses what is common or ordinary. "Outstanding," meanwhile, is commonly used to depict something or someone as superior or noticeably excellent compared to others, indicating a high level of accomplishment or quality.
When labeling something as "exceptional," it usually implies that it deviates significantly from the norm, not only in quality but also in uniqueness and rarity. In contrast, labeling something as "outstanding" emphasizes its remarkable qualities and the way it stands out prominently among others due to its excellence and superiority.
"Exceptional" can often imply a certain uniqueness or rarity, highlighting qualities or attributes that are not commonly found. "Outstanding," on the other hand, primarily focuses on the level of accomplishment or quality, indicating that it is eminent or conspicuous in comparison to others.
In some contexts, "exceptional" could relate to both positive and negative deviations from the norm, suggesting a noteworthy difference from what is usual or typical. Conversely, "outstanding" predominantly conveys a positive connotation, reflecting preeminence or distinguished merit.
"Exceptional" and "outstanding" are often used interchangeably to commend excellence, but the former leans more toward uniqueness and rarity, while the latter accentuates superiority and noticeable excellence among peers.
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Comparison Chart
Primary Connotation
Rarity and Uniqueness
Superiority and Excellence
Implied Comparison
Significant deviation from the norm
Noticeably superior to others
Usage Context
Can relate to both positive and negative deviations
Predominantly positive connotation
Focus
Uncommon attributes or qualities
Level of accomplishment or quality
Flexibility in Usage
More versatile, can refer to both good and bad
Generally used to commend or praise
Compare with Definitions
Exceptional
Denoting rarity or uniqueness.
She has exceptional talent in music.
Outstanding
Implies noticeably superior qualities.
The team gave an outstanding performance.
Exceptional
Indicating a significant deviation from the norm.
His knowledge of history is truly exceptional.
Outstanding
Generally used to commend or praise.
His dedication to the project was truly outstanding.
Exceptional
Can imply extraordinarily good qualities.
The chef prepared an exceptional meal.
Outstanding
Reflecting preeminence or distinguished merit.
She received an award for her outstanding contribution to science.
Exceptional
May refer to both positive and negative deviations.
The weather today is exceptionally bad.
Outstanding
Emphasizes remarkable or conspicuous excellence.
She has achieved outstanding results in her field.
Exceptional
Unusual; not typical
Late claims will only be accepted in exceptional circumstances
Outstanding
Denoting superiority or excellence.
He has an outstanding ability to solve complex problems.
Exceptional
An item in a company's accounts arising from its normal activity but much larger or smaller than usual.
Outstanding
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Exceptional
Being an exception; uncommon
This town is exceptional for the region in having a high tax rate.
Outstanding
Exceptionally good
The team's outstanding performance
Exceptional
Well above average; extraordinary
An exceptional memory.
Outstanding
Not yet paid, resolved, or dealt with
Julian's outstanding debts
Much of the work is still outstanding
Exceptional
Deviating widely from a norm, as of physical or mental ability
Special educational provisions for exceptional children.
Outstanding
Excellent or exceptionally good
An outstanding essay that received an A+.
Exceptional
Forming an exception; not ordinary; uncommon; rare.
What an exceptional flower!
Outstanding
Noticeable or conspicuous
"Thiamine deficiency alone generally produces peripheral neuritis and numbness as its most outstanding features" (Vernon H. Mark).
Exceptional
Better than the average; superior due to exception or rarity.
The quality of the beer was exceptional.
Outstanding
Still in existence; not settled or resolved
Outstanding debts.
A long outstanding problem.
Exceptional
(geometry) Corresponding to something of lower dimension under a birational correspondence.
An exceptional curve; an exceptional divisor
Outstanding
Publicly issued and sold
Outstanding shares of stock.
Exceptional
An exception, or something having an exceptional value
Outstanding
Present participle of outstand
Exceptional
Forming an exception; not ordinary; uncommon; rare; hence, better than the average; superior.
This particular spot had exceptional advantages.
Outstanding
Prominent or noticeable; standing out from others.
Exceptional
Far beyond what is usual in magnitude or degree;
A night of exceeding darkness
An exceptional memory
Olympian efforts to save the city from bankruptcy
The young Mozart's prodigious talents
Outstanding
Exceptionally good; distinguished from others by its superiority.
Exceptional
Surpassing what is common or usual or expected;
He paid especial attention to her
Exceptional kindness
A matter of particular and unusual importance
A special occasion
A special reason to confide in her
What's so special about the year 2000?
Outstanding
Projecting outwards.
Exceptional
Deviating widely from a norm of physical or mental ability; used especially of children below normal in intelligence;
Special educational provisions for exceptional children
Outstanding
Unresolved; not settled or finished.
Exceptional
Generally signifies something uncommon or extraordinary.
Her courage in the face of danger was exceptional.
Outstanding
Owed as a debt.
Outstanding
That stands out; undischarged; uncollected; not paid; as, outstanding obligations.
Revenues . . . as well outstanding as collected.
Outstanding
Conspicuously excellent; markedly superior; distinguished.
Outstanding
So prominent so as to attract notice; conspicuous; usually but not always in a good sense.
Outstanding
Distinguished from others in excellence;
Did outstanding work in human relations
An outstanding war record
Outstanding
Having a quality that thrusts itself into attention;
An outstanding fact of our time is that nations poisoned by anti semitism proved less fortunate in regard to their own freedom
A new theory is the most prominent feature of the book
Salient traits
A spectacular rise in prices
A striking thing about Picadilly Circus is the statue of Eros in the center
A striking resemblance between parent and child
Outstanding
Of major significance or importance;
A great work of art
Einstein was one of the outstanding figures of the 20th century
Outstanding
Owed as a debt;
Outstanding bills
The amount still owed
Undischarged debts
Common Curiosities
Is “outstanding” used predominantly in a positive context?
Yes, “outstanding” predominantly conveys a positive connotation, reflecting excellence or distinguished merit.
What does “exceptional” primarily denote?
“Exceptional” primarily denotes rarity, uniqueness, or a significant deviation from the norm.
Does “exceptional” imply uniqueness or rarity?
Yes, “exceptional” often implies uniqueness, rarity, or extraordinary qualities.
Does “outstanding” emphasize noticeable excellence?
Yes, “outstanding” emphasizes noticeable excellence and superiority among peers.
Can “exceptional” denote significant deviation from what is common?
Yes, “exceptional” denotes significant deviation from what is common or ordinary, emphasizing uniqueness.
Can “exceptional” refer to both good and bad deviations?
Yes, “exceptional” can relate to both positive and negative deviations from the norm.
Does “outstanding” usually have a commendatory tone?
Yes, “outstanding” usually has a commendatory tone, often used to praise or applaud excellence.
Can “outstanding” denote conspicuous excellence?
Yes, “outstanding” denotes conspicuous excellence and is often used to highlight remarkable qualities.
What is the main connotation of “outstanding”?
“Outstanding” mainly connotes superiority, excellence, or noticeable prominence among others.
Does “outstanding” imply a high level of accomplishment?
Yes, “outstanding” implies a high level of accomplishment or quality, often being noticeably superior to others.
Can “exceptional” be used to describe something uncommon?
Yes, “exceptional” is often used to describe something uncommon, extraordinary, or significantly different from the norm.
Can “exceptional” and “outstanding” be used interchangeably?
They can be used interchangeably in some contexts to commend excellence but have nuanced differences in connotation.
Is “outstanding” used to reflect preeminence or distinguished merit?
Yes, “outstanding” is used to reflect preeminence or distinguished merit in a field or activity.
Can “exceptional” imply extraordinarily good qualities?
Yes, “exceptional” can imply extraordinarily good, rare, or unique qualities.
Is “exceptional” versatile in its usage?
Yes, “exceptional” is versatile, able to describe a range of deviations from the norm, both positive and negative.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
