infrequent

[in-free-kwuhnt]

adjective

1. happening or occurring at long intervals or rarely.

   infrequent visits.

   Synonyms: uncommon, rare, scarce

2. not constant, habitual, or regular.

   an infrequent visitor.

3. not plentiful or many.

   infrequent opportunities for advancement.

   Synonyms: uncommon, rare, scarce

4. far apart in space.

infrequent

/ ɪnˈfriːkwənt /

adjective

1. rarely happening or present; only occasional

Other Word Forms

• infrequently adverb
• infrequency noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of infrequent¹

First recorded in 1525–35, infrequent is from the Latin word infrequent- (stem of infrequēns ). See in- ³, frequent

Example Sentences

They often have to step around homeless people and past areas where dealing and drug use, along with violence, are anything but infrequent.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

To the millions enraptured with his music and hypnotic voice, the multiple Grammy winner’s infrequent appearances added to his legend.

Read more on Salon

Manufacturers, regulators and airlines have said these types of incidents are too infrequent, levels of contamination too low and scientific research on lasting health risks too inconclusive to warrant a comprehensive fix.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Whether it’s Morton’s perpetually scowling expression in the infrequent cutaways to Brian’s life back home or the on-the-nose emphasis on looming gray clouds, there’s no question a storm is coming.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

There are infrequent, higher-difficulty plays he’s yet to learn how to handle.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• meager 
• occasional 
• odd 
• rare 
• sparse 
• sporadic 
• uncommon