/ ɪkˈstrɔːdnri; NAmE ɪkˈstrɔːrdəneri/ adjective
1.
unexpected, surprising or strange
SYN incredible :
It's extraordinary that he managed to sleep through the party.
What an extraordinary thing to say!
2.
not normal or ordinary; greater or better than usual :
an extraordinary achievement
She was a truly extraordinary woman.
They went to extraordinary lengths to explain their behaviour.
—compare ordinary
3.
[ only before noun ] ( formal ) ( of a meeting, etc. ) arranged for a special purpose and happening in addition to what normally or regularly happens :
An extraordinary meeting was held to discuss the problem.
4.
(following nouns) ( technical ) ( of an official ) employed for a special purpose in addition to the usual staff :
an envoy extraordinary
► extra·or·din·ar·ily / ɪkˈstrɔːdnrəli; NAmE ɪkˌstrɔːrdəˈnerəli/ adverb :
He behaves extraordinarily for someone in his position.
extraordinarily difficult
She did extraordinarily well.
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WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English : from Latin extraordinarius , from extra ordinem outside the normal course of events.