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

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

From Los Angeles Times

Instead, the pharmacy may target those discounts to infrequent buyers of those products to avoid losing them as a customer.

From Los Angeles Times

Ravec had concluded that because Prince Harry was going to be an infrequent visitor to the UK, his security needs would be assessed on a case by case basis.

From BBC

“I recall the sharp corners of my mother’s arms during her infrequent hugs.”

From Los Angeles Times

Last year, his infrequent appearances suggested the same.

From BBC

Related Words

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