Überragende

Überragende is the attributive form of the German adjective überragend, meaning outstanding, excellent, or superior. It is used to describe nouns that are considered markedly above average or remarkable. In attributive position the ending of überragende varies with gender, number, and article, for example: eine überragende Leistung (feminine singular), ein überragender Bericht (masculine singular), ein überragendes Ergebnis (neuter singular), überragende Leistungen (plural). With definite articles, the forms align accordingly, for instance: die überragende Leistung, die überragenden Leistungen.

Grammatically, überragend derives from the verb überragen (to tower above, surpass) with the prefix über- meaning “above” or “beyond.” The word has been part of the German vocabulary since the Middle High German to Early New High German period and is widely used in formal, literary, and media registers to denote exceptional quality or performance.

In usage, überragende is a strong positive descriptor and can carry evaluative or even hyperbolic connotations when applied to achievements, talents, or objects. It is often chosen to emphasize that something surpasses peers or standard expectations, though overuse can dilute its impact. Synonyms include herausragend, exzellent, and hervorragend, each with slightly different nuances: herausragend emphasizes prominence, exzellent denotes high quality, and hervorragend conveys excellence.

See also: überragen (verb), herausragend, exzellent.