phenomenal
C1Pronunciation
UK
- /fɪnˈɒmɪnəl/
US
- /fəˈnɑmənəl/
Description
- Amazing
- Extraordinary
- Remarkable
If something is phenomenal, it's truly outstanding, far beyond the ordinary. Think of a breathtaking sunset, a brilliant musical performance, or an athlete achieving something hard to believe. These are all things that might be described as phenomenal. In everyday English, the word is usually used for something extremely impressive, successful, or memorable. You probably wouldn't use it for a small, ordinary task, but you would use it for something that feels truly special. A phenomenal teacher doesn't just teach; they inspire.
The word phenomenal describes something so remarkable, exceptional, or extraordinary that it seems almost beyond belief. It's more than just "good"—it suggests a level of quality, success, or impact that stands out clearly from the rest. In modern everyday English, people usually use it to praise something that is extremely impressive or unusually strong.
You might describe a concert by your favorite band as phenomenal, meaning it was an unforgettable experience filled with energy and skill. A scientist making a groundbreaking discovery could be said to have achieved a phenomenal breakthrough. Or perhaps you'd say, "The view from the mountaintop was phenomenal!"
While often used to describe positive experiences, phenomenal can also emphasize the sheer scale or intensity of something negative. For example, "The damage caused by the hurricane was phenomenal." In this case, it highlights how incredibly vast and destructive the event was.
However, most commonly, phenomenal is reserved for things that inspire awe and admiration—those moments or achievements that truly stand out from the rest. It's a word used to celebrate something genuinely special and exceptional. So next time you encounter something truly amazing, don't hesitate to call it phenomenal!
Examples
- 1
Food
The food at that little restaurant was phenomenal.
- 2
Acting
He gave a phenomenal performance in the final scene.
- 3
Memory
She has a phenomenal memory for names and faces.
- 4
Team performance
The team did a phenomenal job under pressure.
- 5
Business growth
Sales grew at a phenomenal rate after the new app launched.
- 6
Teaching skill
He's phenomenal at explaining difficult ideas in simple language.
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- phenomenaladjective