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

But at the very top end, the market continues to produce extraordinary results for bottles with exceptional rarity and provenance. — George Nelson, ARTnews.com, 24 Sep. 2026

Each had multiple seasons with more than 200 innings pitched, a rarity in today's game. — Ryan Canfield Outkick, FOXNews.com, 23 Sep. 2026

Today, these coins are valued primarily for their metal content rather than their rarity. — Nick Perry, USA Today, 22 Sep. 2026

On road, the KB998 Rimini’s rarity factor should only bolster Bimota’s already rarefied status. — Michael Van Runkle, Robb Report, 21 Sep. 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