uncharacteristic

adjective

un·​char·​ac·​ter·​is·​tic ˌən-ˌker-ik-tə-ˈri-stik 

-ˌka-rik-

: not characteristic : not typical or distinctive

uncharacteristic outbursts of temper

uncharacteristically

ˌən-ˌker-ik-tə-ˈri-sti-k(ə-)lē 

-ˌka-rik-

adverb

Examples of uncharacteristic in a Sentence

It was an uncharacteristic outburst of temper.

Her uncharacteristic silence bothered me.

Recent Examples on the Web

In what was a relatively uncharacteristic ending for this Spain team – perhaps seeing the finish line so close – the squad allowed Argentina a few last chances, two of which couldn’t have been closer in the final eight minutes or so of the match. — Patrick Sung Cuadrado, CNN Money, 20 July 2026

Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 in the final thanks to a Ferran Torres goal in extra time, an uncharacteristic dog of a match in a tournament that, for the most part, was gloriously entertaining. — Tim Spiers, New York Times, 20 July 2026

Thanks to an uncharacteristic heatwave in the United Kingdom, the forecast features dry, sunny skies and highs climbing into the 80s. — Geoff Clark Outkick, FOXNews.com, 15 July 2026

Yamamoto’s uncharacteristic sixth inning ended his streak of quality starts at five, including two that lasted eight innings or more. — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 12 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1748, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for uncharacteristic

• deuteronomistic
• imperialistic
• intuitionistic
• materialistic
• nondeterministic
• nonrelativistic
• oligopolistic
• particularistic
• sociolinguistic
• spiritualistic
• universalistic
• agonistic