eminent

/ˈɛmənənt/

/ˈɛmɪnɪnt/

Anyone highly regarded or prominent is eminent. Eminent people are very successful at their jobs. If you’ve heard of Neil deGrasse Tyson, it’s probably because he’s an eminent astrophysicist.

Every field has eminent — impressive, famous, or accomplished — people. Two of the most eminent coaches in the history of professional basketball are Red Auerbach and Phil Jackson because they've won the most championships. Beethoven was an eminent musician. Frank Lloyd Wright was an eminent architect. Eminent people loom over a field because they're influential and you can't avoid hearing about them. It's not easy to be eminent because you have to be extremely successful.

Definitions of eminent

1. adjective

   standing above others in quality or position
   “eminent members of the community”

   synonyms: high

   superior

   of or characteristic of high rank or importance
2. adjective

   (used of persons) standing above others in character or attainment or reputation
   synonyms: distinguished

   important, of import

   of great significance or value
3. adjective

   having an illustrious reputation; respected
   synonyms: esteemed, honored, prestigious

   reputable

   having a good reputation
4. adjective

   of imposing height; especially standing out above others
   “an eminent peak”

   synonyms: lofty, soaring, towering

   high

   (literal meaning) being at or having a relatively great or specific elevation or upward extension (sometimes used in combinations like `knee-high')