Dictionary

infrequent

adjective in·fre·quent \(ˌ)in-ˈfrē-kwənt\

: not happening often : not frequent

Full Definition of INFREQUENT

1
:  seldom happening or occurring :  rare
2
:  placed or occurring at wide intervals in space or time <a slope dotted with infrequent pines> <infrequent visits>
in·fre·quent·ly adverb
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Origin of INFREQUENT

Latin infrequent-, infrequens, from in- + frequent-, frequens frequent
First Known Use: circa 1615

Synonym Discussion of INFREQUENT

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>.
INFREQUENT Defined for Kids

infrequent

adjective in·fre·quent \in-ˈfrē-kwənt\

Definition of INFREQUENT for Kids

1
:  seldom happening :  rare
2
:  not placed, made, or done at frequent intervals <The bus made infrequent stops.>
in·fre·quent·ly adverb

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