Unique

/juːˈniːk/

adjectiveBeginnerVery CommonGeneral

Definitions

2 meanings
1

Being the only one of its kind; different from all others.

/juːˈniːk/

adjectivepositiveBeginner
General

Being the only one of its kind; unlike anything else.

Each snowflake has a unique pattern.

💡 Simply: Imagine you have a special toy that nobody else has. That toy is unique! It's different from all the others.

👶 For kids: It means there's only one of something like it. It is the only one!

More Examples

2

She had a unique perspective on the problem.

3

The restaurant offers a unique dining experience.

4

His handwriting is unique and easily recognizable.

How It's Used

General

"This painting is unique; there's nothing else like it."

Science

"Each individual has a unique DNA fingerprint."

Business

"The company developed a unique marketing strategy."

2

Belonging to or existing in only one person or thing; being the only one.

/juːˈniːk/

adjectiveneutralmedium
General

Belonging to or existing in only one person or thing.

Each person's fingerprint is unique.

💡 Simply: Imagine something that only *you* have or experience. Your favorite color is unique to you in how you like it!

👶 For kids: It means that only one person or thing has it.

More Examples

2

She has a unique approach to problem-solving.

3

The island has a unique ecosystem.

4

His unique talent was immediately apparent.

How It's Used

Philosophy

"Each individual has a unique experience of life."

Literature

"The character possessed a unique set of values."

Tip:Imagine a fingerprint – it is unique to you.

Idioms & expressions

unique selling proposition (USP)

A factor that differentiates a product from its competitors, such as the lowest cost, the highest quality or the first-ever product of its kind.

"The company's unique selling proposition is its commitment to sustainable practices."

From Latin *ūnicus* meaning 'single, the only one', from *ūnus* 'one'.

The word 'unique' appeared in the 17th century, initially used to describe something that was singular or without equal.

Memory tip

Think of 'uni' as meaning one. If something is unique, there is only one of it.

Base: unique
uniquieuniek

Usage

60%Spoken
40%Written