world class
Among the best
World class describes the highest level of excellence—good enough to compete or be recognized internationally.
A world-class athlete can hold their own against the best from any country.
The term applies beyond sports to anything meeting top global standards: a world-class university, world-class cuisine.
Sometimes used loosely for emphasis: That was a world-class mistake.
Notably above the norm
- outstandingExceptionally good or unpaid
- superbExtremely impressive, first-rate
- supremeHighest in authority
- superlativeHighest-degree word form
exemplary · impeccable · flawless · consummate · transcendent · unmatched · unrivaled · peerless
Publicly and enthusiastically praised
- award-winningHonored with accolades
- decoratedMade more visually appealing
- celebratedWidely known and praised
- renownedWidely known and esteemed
distinguished · illustrious · eminent · legendary · iconic · esteemed · venerated · honored
exceptional
Notably above the norm
- outstandingExceptionally good or unpaid
- superbExtremely impressive, first-rate
- supremeHighest in authority
superlative · exemplary · impeccable · flawless · consummate · transcendent · unmatched · unrivaled · peerless · matchless
acclaimed
Publicly and enthusiastically praised
- award-winningHonored with accolades
- decoratedMade more visually appealing
- celebratedWidely known and praised
renowned · distinguished · illustrious · eminent · legendary · iconic · esteemed · venerated · honored · respected
top-tier
Of highest quality
foremost · leading · dominant · number-one · apex · pinnacle · summit · zenith · cream · vanguard
champion
Top competitor, or advocate
- virtuosoSupremely accomplished performer
- maestroDistinguished musical leader
- prodigyGifted youth with rare talent
master · expert · genius · savant · ace · wizard · connoisseur · maven · guru · luminary
- ranksrank and file, enlisted ranks, tier one, officer rank, tier two
- top tierelite, premier, premium, prime, best
- Masterymaster, mastered, expert, pro, ace
- classessubclass, superclass, underclass, caste, tier
- competition levelselite tier, top tier, mid tier, lower tier, upper tier
- excellenceexcellence, greatness, superior, perfection, premium
world classmediocre
Of only moderate quality
second-rate · substandard · inferior · poor · third-rate
world classlocal
Of this area
provincial · small-time · regional · parochial · minor-league
world classbottom-tier
Worst category or ranking
also-ran · no-name · minor-league · uncompetitive · outclassed
world, class, worldly, worlds, worldliness, unworldly, classed, classes, classing