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

This tactic for punishment used to be a rarity on Capitol Hill, but has recently become a norm. —Lauren Green, The Washington Examiner, 23 Nov. 2025

Bank of America Research has noted the rarity of central banks cutting rates amid rising inflation, which has occurred just 16% of the time since 1973. —Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 23 Nov. 2025

Take that away, and Indianapolis managed just one touchdown and Taylor was contained — a rarity in 2025. —Kansas City Star, 23 Nov. 2025

Having your hands full at the door isn’t a rarity. —William Jones, USA Today, 21 Nov. 2025

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