uncharacteristic

adjective

un·​char·​ac·​ter·​is·​tic ˌən-ˌker-ik-tə-ˈri-stik How to pronounce uncharacteristic (audio)
-ˌka-rik-
: not characteristic : not typical or distinctive
uncharacteristic outbursts of temper
uncharacteristically adverb

Examples of uncharacteristic in a Sentence

It was an uncharacteristic outburst of temper. Her uncharacteristic silence bothered me.
Recent Examples on the Web The 2:19 rocker has an uncharacteristic chant-y, gang vocal chorus, with the riffs originating with bassist Jeff Ament. Spin Staff, SPIN, 22 Mar. 2024 Aside from the uncharacteristic absence of this low-top fan’s signature trainer socks, there was no shock reveal, no new look, no beauty transformation. Alice Newbold, Vogue, 19 Mar. 2024 The conspiracies became so prevalent and outlandish that Kensington Palace took the uncharacteristic step of issuing a statement to stop the gossip. Jodi Guglielmi, Rolling Stone, 11 Mar. 2024 Homegrown Challengers Most tech giants have expressed uncharacteristic alarm about the changes required of them this week. Morgan Meaker, WIRED, 6 Mar. 2024 The Packers need to force uncharacteristic turnovers from Brock Purdy. Jon Hoefling, USA TODAY, 22 Feb. 2024 Kittle caught 65 passes for 1,020 yards and six touchdowns and was named first-team All-Pro over Kelce, who had some uncharacteristic struggles early in the year but rallied to finish with 93 receptions for 984 yards and five touchdowns. Jerry McDonald, The Mercury News, 11 Feb. 2024 Hanging on for the win Maryland turned it up after halftime, though, and did so with more uncharacteristic outside shooting. Chris Solari, Detroit Free Press, 21 Jan. 2024 Erling Haaland produced an uncharacteristic performance on Saturday, as the striker missed a plethora of chances in his team’s 1-1 draw against Chelsea. Ben Church, CNN, 18 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'uncharacteristic.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1748, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of uncharacteristic was in 1748

Dictionary Entries Near uncharacteristic

Cite this Entry

“Uncharacteristic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/uncharacteristic. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

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