uncommon

adjective

un·​com·​mon ˌən-ˈkä-mən 

1

: not ordinarily encountered : unusual

an uncommon plant

2

: remarkable, exceptional

a soldier of uncommon courage

uncommonly adverb

uncommonness

ˌən-ˈkä-mən-nəs 

noun

Synonyms

• aberrant
• aberrated
• abnormal
• anomalous
• atypical
• especial
• exceeding
• exceptional
• extraordinaire
• extraordinary
• freak
• odd
• peculiar
• phenomenal
• preternatural
• rare
• singular
• uncustomary
• unique
• unusual
• unwonted

Choose the Right Synonym for uncommon

infrequent, uncommon, scarce, rare, sporadic mean not common or abundant.

infrequent implies occurrence at wide intervals in space or time.

infrequent family visits

uncommon suggests a frequency below normal expectation.

smallpox is now uncommon in many countries

scarce implies falling short of a standard or required abundance.

jobs were scarce during the Depression

rare suggests extreme scarcity or infrequency and often implies consequent high value.

rare first editions

sporadic implies occurrence in scattered instances or isolated outbursts.

sporadic cases of influenza

Examples of uncommon in a Sentence

It is not uncommon for people to become depressed after they retire.

an athlete with uncommon ability

a soldier of uncommon courage

She is an uncommon woman.

Recent Examples on the Web

With his gruff yet commanding presence and behind-the-scenes manipulation of power, Mr. Kissinger exerted uncommon influence on global affairs under Presidents Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford, earning both vilification and the Nobel Peace Prize. —Nancy Benac, The Christian Science Monitor, 30 Nov. 2023

As of November, the company’s stock has also risen by 18% year to date, an uncommon feat for many recently public SaaS companies. —Truebridge Capital, Forbes, 29 Nov. 2023

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the experiences are not uncommon and may contribute to the nation's maternal mortality rate -- one of the highest among the richest countries in the world. —Devin Dwyer, ABC News, 28 Nov. 2023

Even in the most violent American cities, shootings are statistically uncommon. —Nicholas Dawidoff, The New Yorker, 18 Nov. 2023

How To Recognize Narcissistic Abuse Syndrome A Quick Review Schizoid personality disorder is an uncommon, long-term disorder in which a person constantly engages in social withdrawal. —Jessica Migala, Health, 17 Nov. 2023

On average, November is the rainiest month in Seattle, where snow and sleet are not uncommon during the MLS playoffs. —Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 25 Nov. 2023

His family worried about him when there were rocket attacks, which were not uncommon. —Jay Gray, NBC News, 24 Nov. 2023

Princess Grace would lean into American culture at the holidays and serve turkey for Thanksgiving or Christmas, which was uncommon in Europe at the time. —Erin Hill, Peoplemag, 8 Nov. 2023

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Word History

First Known Use

circa 1576, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

uncommon

adjective

un·​com·​mon ˌən-ˈkäm-ən 

ˈən-

1

: not ordinarily found or experienced : unusual

not uncommon to catch a cold

2

: extraordinary, remarkable, exceptional

has uncommon ability

uncommonly adverb

uncommonness

-ən-nəs 

noun