Preeminent (adjective)

1. Superior to all others in status or quality.
2. Outstanding.

Origin:

Early 17th century: from latin praeeminent- "standing out", from the verb praeeminere, from prae "before" + eminere "to stand out".

Examples:

1. A preeminent authority on the subject.
2. A preeminent scholar.
3. Preeminent position.
4. Preeminent achievement.
5. The preeminent leader of the movement.