uncommon

adjective

un·​com·​mon ˌən-ˈkä-mən How to pronounce uncommon (audio)
1
: not ordinarily encountered : unusual
an uncommon plant
2
: remarkable, exceptional
a soldier of uncommon courage
uncommonly adverb
uncommonness noun
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
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.
In fact, acute gastrointestinal illness is fairly uncommon on cruise ships, the agency says. Miami Herald, 30 Sep. 2025 Devine noted that tariffs on cotton imports are uncommon in textile producing countries since the nations want to support the sector. Sarah Jones, Sourcing Journal, 30 Sep. 2025 Outlandish ambitions are not uncommon for aspirational football clubs. Nick Miller, New York Times, 30 Sep. 2025 Disputes with neighbors are not uncommon. Jack Beresford, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for uncommon

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1576, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of uncommon was circa 1576

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Cite this Entry

“Uncommon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/uncommon. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

uncommon

adjective
un·​com·​mon ˌən-ˈkäm-ən How to pronounce uncommon (audio)
ˈən-
1
: not ordinarily found or experienced : unusual
not uncommon to catch a cold
2
: extraordinary, remarkable, exceptional
has uncommon ability
uncommonly adverb
uncommonness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on uncommon

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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