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

After putting out Hug of Thunder, one of the best rock albums of that year, Broken Social Scene rolled out their 2019 Let’s Try the After EPs in two volumes, as well as a collection of B-sides and rarities called Old Dead Young in 2022. —Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 3 Feb. 2026

Now comes Bad Bunny, who’s not only bringing the controversy in advance but has introduced politics into the discussion — a rarity for the Super Bowl. —Jim Harrington, Mercury News, 1 Feb. 2026

The audience was 72% female and 83% over the age of 45, a demographic rarity at a time when the box office is driven by younger men. —Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 1 Feb. 2026

Melling is something of a rarity among movie actors, a distinctive-looking chameleon. —Justin Chang, New Yorker, 30 Jan. 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