rarity

American  

[rair-i-tee] / ˈrɛər ɪ ti /

noun

plural

rarities

1. something rare, unusual, or uncommon.

   Snowstorms are a rarity in the South.

2. something esteemed or interesting in being rare, uncommon, or curious.

   That folio is a rarity that will bring a good price.

3. the state or quality of being rare.

4. rare occurrence; infrequency.

   Volcanic eruptions on the island occur with great rarity.

5. unusual excellence.

6. thinness, as of air or a gas.

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rarity British  

/ ˈrɛərɪtɪ /

noun

1. a rare person or thing, esp something interesting or valued because it is uncommon

2. the state or quality of being rare

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Etymology

Origin of rarity

1550–60; < Latin rāritās thinness, equivalent to rār ( us ) rare ¹ + -itās -ity

Example Sentences

During his 14 years as senator, Rubio was generally well-liked by his colleagues, who unanimously confirmed him as secretary of state -- a rarity in such polarized times.

From Barron's

Precious metals include gold and silver, of course, but also palladium, for its rarity, high value, and corrosion resistance, even though demand for it is dominated by the car industry.

From Barron's

A $1,000 deductible used to be a rarity but now it’s common, said Aaron Schulenburg, executive director of the Society of Collision Repair Specialists.

From MarketWatch

Their prestige and rarity makes them coveted by beer snobs.

From The Wall Street Journal

“Is This Thing On?” is that rarity: a perfectly worthy dramedy that sometimes feels off because it’s trying to cram two good movies into one.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• infrequency
• rareness
• uncommonness