adjectiveadverb

überragend

outstanding

Sehr gut und viel besser als die meisten anderen.

Definition & meaning

überragend is an adjective meaning outstanding, exceptional, excellent, or superior to others. It describes something or someone that stands noticeably above the rest in quality, ability, achievement, or importance.

eine überragende Leistung — an outstanding performance
Sie ist eine überragende Wissenschaftlerin. — She is an exceptional scientist.
Der Film war überragend. — The film was excellent.

In a more literal sense, überragend can mean towering above or projecting over something, although this use is less common:

ein überragender Felsen — a rock projecting above its surroundings

Grammar & Word origin

überragend is an adjective and an adverb. As an adjective, it can take endings:

ein überragender Spieler — an outstanding player
eine überragende Leistung — an outstanding performance
ein überragendes Ergebnis — an outstanding result

As an adverb, it remains unchanged:

Er hat überragend gespielt. — He played exceptionally well.

The word is formed from über (“above, over”) and ragen (“to project, tower, or rise above”). It is the present participle of überragen , literally meaning “to tower above” and figuratively meaning “to surpass.”

Comparative forms are possible but relatively uncommon:

überragender — more outstanding
am überragendsten — the most outstanding

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms

hervorragend — excellent or outstanding; very close in meaning, but often more neutral and commonly used.
ausgezeichnet — excellent or first-rate; can also mean “certified” or “awarded,” depending on context.
exzellent — excellent; somewhat more formal and often used for quality or performance.
außergewöhnlich — extraordinary or unusual; emphasizes deviation from the norm rather than clear superiority.
herausragend — outstanding or distinguished; emphasizes standing out from others and is nearly synonymous with überragend.
brillant — brilliant; often used for ideas, performances, or intellectual ability.

Antonyms

mittelmäßig — mediocre or average; indicates ordinary quality rather than excellence.
durchschnittlich — average; more neutral than mittelmäßig and not necessarily negative.
schwach — weak or poor; directly contrasts with überragend when describing performance or ability.
mangelhaft — inadequate or deficient; suggests that important qualities are missing.
enttäuschend — disappointing; focuses on failing to meet expectations.