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.
The Lins Law Group in Tampa, Fla., says your problem is not an unusual one: “Not uncommonly, we have clients come into the office after a loved one has died and ask for some assistance.”
From MarketWatch ● Jul. 15, 2026
Everyone I spoke with in Maine for this story was uncommonly nice.
From Slate ● Jun. 16, 2026
Industry veterans have described it as an uncommonly expensive documentary.
From BBC ● Jan. 30, 2026
They are regular workers who have become uncommonly savvy with existing AI tools, often through trial and error.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 6, 2025
The fools themselves seemed uncommonly lucky, but how far did that luck extend?
From Anya and the Dragon by Sofiya Pasternack
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.
