excel meaning and examples

2025-08-24

Meaning

Excel means "to be extremely good at something" or "to do very well in a particular activity or subject." It emphasizes outstanding performance or ability.

Grammar and Usage

  • Part of speech: Verb (intransitive)

  • Common structure:

    • excel at (something) → She excels at math.
    • excel in (a field/area) → He excels in sports.
    • excel as (a role) → She excels as a leader.

Common Phrases

  • Excel at math
  • Excel in business
  • Excel as a teacher
  • Excel beyond expectations
  • Excel under pressure

Collocations

  • Verb + Preposition + Noun: excel at writing, excel in science, excel as a musician
  • Adverb + Verb: truly excel, really excel, naturally excel
  • Noun + Verb: students excel, athletes excel, leaders excel

Examples

  1. She excels at languages and speaks five fluently.
  2. He excels in problem-solving and creative thinking.
  3. The athlete excelled under pressure and won the gold medal.
  4. They excel as innovators in the tech industry.
  5. Our students consistently excel in national exams.
  6. She is determined to excel in her career.
  7. He has always excelled at public speaking.
  8. This company excels in customer service.
  • Shine
  • Outperform
  • Surpass
  • Stand out
  • Distinguish oneself