uncommon

[ uhn-kom-uhn ]

adjective

, un·com·mon·er, un·com·mon·est.

1. not common; unusual; rare:

   an uncommon word.

   Synonyms: queer, peculiar, strange, singular, odd, infrequent, scarce

2. unusual in amount or degree; above the ordinary:

   an uncommon amount of mail.

   Synonyms: extraordinary

3. exceptional; remarkable.

   Synonyms: outstanding

uncommon

/ ʌnˈkɒmən /

adjective

1. outside or beyond normal experience, conditions, etc; unusual
2. in excess of what is normal

   an uncommon liking for honey

adverb

1. an archaic word for uncommonly

Derived Forms

• unˈcommonness, noun

Other Words From

• un·common·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of uncommon¹

First recorded in 1540–50; un- ¹ + common

Example Sentences

While typhoons are not uncommon in the Philippines, forecasters say it is unusual to see so many tropical storms in the Pacific at the same time during the month of November.

From BBC

The incident- known as a quick reaction alert - is not uncommon and involves RAF crews shadowing Russian military aircraft near UK airspace.

From BBC

Although uncommon, bananaphobia can be triggered by seeing or smelling the fruit and can cause serious symptoms like anxiety and nausea.

From BBC

With her hands thrust firmly in her pockets, Auty describes how it was “not uncommon at all” to see prison staff in Bronzefield dealing.

From BBC

“I wouldn’t say this is a highly uncommon occurrence,” the Fish and Wildlife officer said.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• abnormal
• bizarre
• egregious
• exceptional
• extraordinary
• infrequent
• noteworthy
• odd
• peculiar
• rare
• remarkable
• singular
• startling
• strange
• surprising
• unique
• unusual