uncommon

adjective

un·​com·​mon ˌən-ˈkä-mən 

1

: not ordinarily encountered : unusual

an uncommon plant

2

: remarkable, exceptional

a soldier of uncommon courage

uncommonly adverb

uncommonness

ˌən-ˈkä-mən-nəs 

noun

Synonyms of uncommon

• unusual
• extraordinary
• exceptional
• unique
• rare
• abnormal
• odd

Choose the Right Synonym for uncommon

infrequent, uncommon, scarce, rare, sporadic mean not common or abundant.

infrequent implies occurrence at wide intervals in space or time.

infrequent family visits

uncommon suggests a frequency below normal expectation.

smallpox is now uncommon in many countries

scarce implies falling short of a standard or required abundance.

jobs were scarce during the Depression

rare suggests extreme scarcity or infrequency and often implies consequent high value.

rare first editions

sporadic implies occurrence in scattered instances or isolated outbursts.

sporadic cases of influenza

Examples of uncommon in a Sentence

It is not uncommon for people to become depressed after they retire.

an athlete with uncommon ability

a soldier of uncommon courage

She is an uncommon woman.

Recent Examples on the Web

Such a quick and huge win is uncommon for 22nd District, which spans the southern San Joaquin Valley and is usually home to one of the country’s most competitive House races. — Mathew Miranda, Sacbee.com, 4 Nov. 2026

The practice is not uncommon, but in a climate where federal officials have not ruled out sending federal troops to polls, some election officials and civil rights groups worry about the impact on voters. — Joe Wicke, Baltimore Sun, 2 Nov. 2026

But with projects still outstanding, village leaders in 2009 took the uncommon step of asking the state legislature to extend the district 12 more years. — Mick Zawislak, Chicago Tribune, 2 Nov. 2026

Hall has surprising size and strength and an uncommon level of confidence for a freshman. — Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1576, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for uncommon

• aman
• brahman
• brahmin
• common
• lawman

Kids Definition

uncommon

adjective

un·​com·​mon ˌən-ˈkäm-ən 

ˈən-

1

: not ordinarily found or experienced : unusual

not uncommon to catch a cold

2

: extraordinary, remarkable, exceptional

has uncommon ability

uncommonly adverb

uncommonness

-ən-nəs 

noun