uncommon

[uhn-kom-uhn]

adjective

uncommoner, uncommonest 

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

Other Word Forms

• uncommonness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of uncommon¹

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

Example Sentences

Today, there are more than 2,000 female train operators in the Indian Railways, but Ms Yadav took up the job at a time when it was uncommon for women to explore this profession.

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It is really uncommon because most bands we know have been on a few labels over their careers.

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“Even though we struggled, it wasn’t uncommon to see her share a bag of rice, beans, or pick up a coffee for a friend.”

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Doing so in the middle of the decade is very uncommon and would give Republicans a better shot at keeping power in the House after the 2026 election.

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Deadly crushes are not uncommon in India, and there have been several similarly tragic incidents this year alone, including at the famous Kumbh Mela Hindu festival and outside a cricket stadium.

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Related Words

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