Phenomenal Definition & Meaning

American

British

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Examples

Related Words

Synonyms phenomenal American [fi-nom-uh-nl] / fɪˈnɒm ə nl /

adjective

1. highly extraordinary or prodigious; exceptional.

   phenomenal speed.

   Synonyms: unprecedented, surpassing, outstanding, uncommon

2. of or relating to phenomena.

3. of the nature of a phenomenon; cognizable by the senses.

phenomenal British / fɪˈnɒmɪnəl /

adjective

1. of or relating to a phenomenon

2. extraordinary; outstanding; remarkable

   a phenomenal achievement

3. philosophy known or perceived by the senses rather than the mind

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

• nonphenomenal adjective
• nonphenomenally adverb
• phenomenality noun
• phenomenally adverb
• semiphenomenal adjective
• semiphenomenally adverb
• unphenomenal adjective
• unphenomenally adverb

Etymology

Origin of phenomenal

First recorded in 1815–25; phenomen(on) + -al 1

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"This phenomenal 11-week run is just the latest evidence of what an incredibly exciting time it is for British music right now," said Dr Jo Twist, head of music industry body the BPI.

From BBC

"It's a phenomenal piece of infrastructure," he said.

From BBC

"It was just phenomenal to experience. It was definitely a very emotional moment for me and my mother and Gini to sort of discover this truth."

From BBC

"The way he carries the ball and he glides past players. Often he offloads it at the right time. His vision and understanding of the game is phenomenal for someone so young."

From BBC

Spears had phenomenal early music success with late 1990s hits like "...Baby One More Time" but has largely stepped back from music in recent years.

From Barron's

Related Words

• extraordinary
• fantastic
• marvelous
• miraculous
• outstanding
• prodigious
• remarkable
• sensational
• substantial
• unparalleled
• unusual

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.