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

The rarity of the condition means diagnosis can be delayed, increasing the chances of severe symptoms. — CBS News, 28 Aug. 2026

Its native structure, the twenty-two-episode season, has become a rarity in the industry, as has its default lightness. — Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 27 Aug. 2026

Two tornadoes, a metro-area rarity, upped the ante in August, whipping through parts of Queens and Long Island. — Matthew Schneier, Curbed, 27 Aug. 2026

The relative rarity and disturbing nature of these cases are part of what attracts so much attention, said Michelle Oberman, a law professor at Santa Clara University who has studied and written about women who kill their children. — N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 26 Aug. 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