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

Collectors seek these modes for their rarity in hopes of collecting the full series (usually 5-15 cars). — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 31 July 2026

Still, even these don’t quite compete with Team ICO’s trio of brilliance, which have become collector’s items in recent years due to their sheer rarity. — Matt Gardner, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026

The country is a rarity in the West for welcoming migrants, who experts say are helping drive economic growth. — Jeronimo Gonzalez, semafor.com, 31 July 2026

Oh had two seasons to emotionally prepare her Grey’s Anatomy departure and say goodbye to Cristina, a lengthy timeline she’s acknowledged as a rarity in television. — Emily Blackwood, PEOPLE, 29 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