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 of uncommon

• unusual
• extraordinary
• exceptional
• unique
• rare
• abnormal
• odd

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

Ravel also offers 24-hour room service—another feature that’s uncommon on river vessels. —Janice Wald Henderson, Travel + Leisure, 7 Feb. 2026

Aside from the power of the recovery story and the uncommon wit and frankness of the book, Estefan just has so many hits, recorded over a career that spanned decades, and they’re cleverly slotted into the story. —Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 6 Feb. 2026

From brushing ice in curling to flying down an ice track headfirst in skeleton, the Winter Olympics are home to some unique and exciting sports that feature uncommon vernacular. —Ben Morse, CNN Money, 5 Feb. 2026

In a sports world that has grown more cautious since its unprecedented mass activism after George Floyd’s murder in 2020, the strength of Stewart’s gesture feels uncommon. —Jerry Brewer, New York Times, 3 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1576, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for uncommon

• aman
• brahman
• brahmin
• common
• lawman

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