uncharacteristic

adjective

un·​char·​ac·​ter·​is·​tic ˌən-ˌker-ik-tə-ˈri-stik How to pronounce uncharacteristic (audio)
-ˌka-rik-
Synonyms of uncharacteristicnext
: not characteristic : not typical or distinctive
uncharacteristic outbursts of temper
uncharacteristically
ˌən-ˌker-ik-tə-ˈri-sti-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce uncharacteristic (audio)
-ˌka-rik-
adverb

Examples of uncharacteristic in a Sentence

It was an uncharacteristic outburst of temper. Her uncharacteristic silence bothered me.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In the aftermath, Blue Origin has moved with uncharacteristic speed to repair its launch pad to get New Glenn flying again, while investing $3 billion in Florida facilities to support a much higher launch cadence. — Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 29 Oct. 2026 Even with a couple of uncharacteristic drops in the second half, Jones finished with a game-high 69 receiving yards on five catches. — Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 25 Oct. 2026 But that doesn’t explain the sudden distance between them, or why the reclusive Irma made the uncharacteristic decision to go to the big parties that open Westish’s school year without telling Pella. — B. D. McClay, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2026 An uncharacteristic stretch during the 2024 and 2025 seasons is well behind them, as the Warriors are playing some of the best football in the Fort Worth area. — Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for uncharacteristic

Word History

First Known Use

1748, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of uncharacteristic was in 1748

Rhymes for uncharacteristic

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Browse Nearby Words

unchaperoned
uncharacteristic
uncharge
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Cite this Entry

“Uncharacteristic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/uncharacteristic. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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