matchless

Everyday

So good that nothing or nobody is equal to it; without equal; the best. tree →

In the lessons

A grand, slightly old-fashioned word of praise. In The Wind in the Willows Toad boasts of his own matchless genius and «matchless» driving; the reader knows he is far from it, which makes it funny. In poems and adverts: «matchless beauty», «matchless skill».

Examples

• The view from the mountain top was matchless. tree →
• Toad sang about his own matchless cleverness. tree →
• She played with matchless skill. tree →
• The castle had a matchless collection of paintings. tree →
• Their matchless courage saved the village. tree →
• The chef cooks matchless pies. tree →

Note

Nothing to do with matches (for lighting); it means «no match» = no equal. Close words: unequalled, unrivalled, peerless.