uncommonly
Americanadverb
-
in an uncommon or unusual manner or degree.
-
exceptionally; outstandingly.
-
rarely; infrequently.
adverb
-
in an uncommon or unusual manner or degree; rarely
-
(intensifier)
you're uncommonly friendly
Etymology
Origin of uncommonly
Explanation
Use the word uncommonly to mean "extremely" or "exceptionally" — as in the uncommonly good chocolate chip cookies your dad baked, or the uncommonly speedy way your family ate them. Rather than modifying a verb, uncommonly is one of those adverbs that almost always modifies an adjective. Use it whenever you want to emphasize how rare and exceptional something is, whether it's the uncommonly difficult crossword puzzle you solved or your uncommonly tidy bedroom. This word comes from uncommon, "not common, rare." Synonyms include words like "remarkably" and "unusually."
Vocabulary lists containing uncommonly
A Night Divided
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Anya and the Nightingale
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
The False Prince
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Uncommonly sensitive as an actor, lyrical and loquacious as a person, Majors, a profound admirer of Sidney Poitier, is a rare and potent combination of serious thespian, thirsted-after hunk and devoted artist.
From Seattle Times • Mar. 1, 2023
Uncommonly fit and flexible, Djokovic is arguably the game’s best returner.
From Washington Post • Jul. 11, 2021
"Uncommonly chilly temperatures will be limited mostly to the western states and northeastern New England," the publication notes.
From Fox News • Aug. 30, 2020
Uncommonly intense competition among large brewers in China keeps a tight lid on margins there.
From The Wall Street Journal • Sep. 14, 2015
“Knacks don’t go away so easily as that. When I was growing up in Staup, I knew a young man with a knack. Uncommonly good with plants.”
From "The Name of the Wind" by Patrick Rothfuss
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
