✨📕 The NEWThe NEW Collegiate Dictionary, 12th Edition Over 5,000 words added — Buy Now! Collegiate DictionaryBuy Now!

uncharacteristic

adjective

un·​char·​ac·​ter·​is·​tic ˌən-ˌker-ik-tə-ˈri-stik How to pronounce uncharacteristic (audio)
-ˌka-rik-
Synonyms of uncharacteristicnext
: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Gates said that aspect of the performance was uncharacteristic. Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Nov. 2025 In a very uncharacteristic game for Dallas Cowboys star CeeDee Lamb, the renowned pass catcher dropped three passes against the Philadelphia Eagles. James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Nov. 2025 Maye was not only inaccurate, but an uncharacteristic mess against pressure. Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 25 Nov. 2025 Powell’s dilemma at a time of uncharacteristic dissent on the Federal Open Market Committee is intensifying. Jeff Cox, CNBC, 13 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for uncharacteristic

Word History

First Known Use

1748, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of uncharacteristic was in 1748

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Uncharacteristic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/uncharacteristic. Accessed 8 Dec. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on uncharacteristic

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!