rarity

noun

rar·​i·​ty ˈrer-ə-tē 

plural rarities

1

: the quality, state, or fact of being rare

2

: one that is rare

Synonyms of rarity

• exotic
• curiosity
• wonder
• oddity
• marvel

Examples of rarity in a Sentence

In most sports, athletes over the age of 50 are rarities.

Snow is a rarity in this part of the world.

He is selling most of his collection, keeping only the real rarities.

The rarity of the disease makes it difficult to diagnose.

Recent Examples on the Web

That was true from the early stages — when the standings bore greater resemblance to 2024 than 2025, a rarity compared with most of baseball history. — Neil Paine, New York Times, 16 July 2026

That rarity matters because earnings bubbles carry a detection problem that valuation bubbles don’t. — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 15 July 2026

Like the dishwasher, this is also a rarity in a tiny house, since most models make do with a shower alone. — Adam Williams july 14, New Atlas, 14 July 2026

Collectors are becoming more discerning about legal title, provenance, completeness, and rarity. — George Nelson, ARTnews.com, 14 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1542, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for rarity

• charity
• clarity
• parity
• verity
• alterity
• asperity
• austerity
• celerity
• dexterity
• disparity
• hilarity
• molarity

Kids Definition

rarity

noun

rar·​i·​ty ˈrar-ət-ē 

ˈrer-

plural rarities

1

: the quality, state, or fact of being rare

2

: someone or something rare