sin precedente
adjectiveUpper-intermediate
What does “sin precedente” mean in English?
unprecedented — never having happened or existed before
unprecedented — never having happened or existed before (crisis sin precedentes, decisión sin precedente)
Example sentences
La crisis fue una situación sin precedentes.
The crisis was an unprecedented situation.
El acuerdo fue calificado de histórico y sin precedente.
The agreement was described as historic and unprecedented.
Se enfrentaron a desafíos sin precedentes.
They faced unprecedented challenges.
How to use it
'Sin precedente(s)' means unprecedented — without previous example. This is a prepositional phrase used as a post-nominal adjective. 'Sin precedente' (singular) and 'sin precedentes' (plural) are both used; plural is more common. Used after the noun: 'una crisis sin precedentes'.
Common mistake
Don't place 'sin precedentes' before the noun — it must follow: 'una situación sin precedentes', NOT 'una sin precedentes situación'.
Topics
Related Upper-intermediate words
Reference
This entry’s teaching guidance follows Plan Curricular del Instituto Cervantes (Instituto Cervantes), B2 Nociones: novedad e historia.