Dictionary
uncommon
adjective un·com·mon \ˌən-ˈkä-mən\
: not often found, seen, or experienced
: not ordinary : remarkable or exceptional
Full Definition of UNCOMMON
1
: not ordinarily encountered : unusual <an uncommon plant>
2
: remarkable, exceptional <a soldier of uncommon courage>
— un·com·mon·ly adverb
— un·com·mon·ness \-mən-nəs\ noun
See uncommon defined for English-language learners
See uncommon defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
First Known Use of UNCOMMON
circa 1576
Related to UNCOMMON
- Synonyms
- aberrant, aberrated, abnormal, anomalous, atypical, especial, exceeding, extraordinaire, extraordinary, freak, odd, peculiar, phenomenal, preternatural, rare, singular, exceptional, uncustomary, unique, unusual, unwonted
- Antonyms
- common, customary, normal, ordinary, typical, unexceptional, unextraordinary, usual
Synonym Discussion of 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>.
UNCOMMONLY Defined for Kids
uncommon
adjective un·com·mon \ˌən-ˈkä-mən\
Definition of UNCOMMON for Kids
1
: not often found or seen : unusual <an uncommon bird>
2
: not ordinary : remarkable <uncommon ability> <uncommon courage>
— un·com·mon·ly adverb <It was an uncommonly cold summer.>
Learn More About UNCOMMON
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: uncommunicablePrevious Word in the Dictionary: uncommittedAll Words Near: uncommon
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up uncommon? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).