Uniek

Uniek is a Dutch adjective meaning one-of-a-kind, distinctive, or exceptional. It is used to describe things that have no exact counterpart or stand out because of rarity, originality, or special quality. The term derives from Latin unicus and entered Dutch via Romance languages such as French, reflecting a common historical pathway for words related to “single” or “alone.”

In usage, uniek can describe objects, experiences, people, or ideas. It emphasizes originality or exclusivity and is common in everyday speech as well as in marketing and media. Examples include “een unieke kans” (a unique opportunity) and “een uniek ontwerp” (a unique design). The nuance can range from merely rare to genuinely of special value or character.

Linguistic notes: when placed before a singular noun, the attributive form of the adjective typically takes an -e ending, as in “een unieke kans” or “de unieke auto.” In predicative position, the phrase remains “is uniek” (This opportunity is unique). The word has several close synonyms that stress rarity or distinctiveness, such as zeldzaam, uitzonderlijk, bijzonder, and exclusief.

See also: The concept of uniqueness appears across culture, science, and design, and is often used in branding and descriptions to signal originality and quality.