extraordinario
adjectiveUpper-intermediate
What does “extraordinario” mean in English?
extraordinary — very unusual or remarkable, beyond the ordinary
extraordinary — very unusual or remarkable, beyond the ordinary (talento extraordinario, medida extraordinaria)
Example sentences
La junta extraordinaria fue convocada para abordar la crisis de gobernanza que amenazaba la estabilidad de la empresa.
The extraordinary general meeting was convened to address the governance crisis threatening the company's stability.
Consiguió resultados extraordinarios en tiempo récord, lo que le valió el reconocimiento de toda la organización.
She achieved extraordinary results in record time, earning her recognition from the entire organisation.
How to use it
Extraordinario/a means 'extraordinary' — beyond the ordinary, remarkable, exceptional. Both a qualitative intensifier (actuación extraordinaria) and a technical adjective for special-category items (reunión extraordinaria, medida extraordinaria). Ser/estar: ser for inherent quality; estar possible in temporary judgements ('estuvo extraordinario esta noche'). Collocations: talento extraordinario, esfuerzo extraordinario, junta extraordinaria.
Common mistake
Extraordinario ≠ excelente: extraordinario emphasises going beyond the norm; excelente emphasises quality. A routine but high-quality performance is excelente; a performance that breaks expectations is extraordinaria.
Topics
Related Upper-intermediate words
Reference
This entry’s teaching guidance follows Plan Curricular del Instituto Cervantes (Instituto Cervantes), B2 Nociones especificas.