American English
/ɪkˈsɛp.ʃə.nl̩/
4 syllables · Stress the second syllable.
Much better or more impressive than usual.
Practice out loudMuch better or more impressive than usual.
She has exceptional talent for music.
The team gave an exceptional performance.
exceptional talent · exceptional ability · exceptional performance · exceptional quality
an exceptional + noun
be exceptional at + noun/gerund
Not usual or expected; different from what normally happens.
The rule can change under exceptional circumstances.
The doctor agreed to make an exceptional visit.
In exceptional circumstances means “in unusual situations”; it does not mean that the situations are excellent.
exceptional circumstances · exceptional case · exceptional situation · exceptional measures
under exceptional circumstances
in exceptional cases
only when something unusual happens
The deadline may be extended under exceptional circumstances.