DictionaryAI

unique

yoo-NEEK/juːˈniːk/

4 meanings of unique

Practice

  1. 1
    one of a kindadjective
    Being the only one of its kind, with nothing else like it.

    Like a single key that opens only one lock and no other.

    Every snowflake is unique, so no two look exactly alike.

    This handmade vase is unique because no other one like it exists.

    UsageCareful writers don't say very unique here. Use in for what is special: unique in its shape.

    Similarsingular

    Note
  2. 2
    adjective
    Very unusual or special, not like the ordinary kind.

    Like seeing something amazing you have never come across before.

    We had a unique chance to meet the author in person.

    The restaurant offers a unique mix of flavors you rarely taste.

    UsagePeople say very unique with this meaning, but careful writers use unusual or rare instead.

    Similarunusual, remarkable, rare, special, uncommon

    Oppositecommon, ordinary, usual, typical

    Note
  3. 3
    adjective
    Belonging only to one person, place or thing and not found anywhere else.

    Like a name tag that belongs to just one person.

    That spotted pattern is unique to this breed of dog.

    The accent is unique to people from that small town.

    UsageSay unique to something: unique to this town.

    Oppositecommon

Less common meaning

  1. 4
    nouncountable
    A thing that is the only one of its kind, with nothing else like it.

    In this game, every unique has its own name and guards special treasure.

    This old map is a unique; no other copy has ever been found.

    Note

Practice

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Origin

It came from French "unique".

Checked 5 Nov 2026 · 1 fact