uncommon

adjective

un·​com·​mon ˌən-ˈkä-mən How to pronounce uncommon (audio)
Synonyms of uncommonnext
1
: not ordinarily encountered : unusual
an uncommon plant
2
: remarkable, exceptional
a soldier of uncommon courage
uncommonly adverb
uncommonness
ˌən-ˈkä-mən-nəs How to pronounce uncommon (audio)
noun

Synonyms of uncommon

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infrequent, uncommon, scarce, rare, sporadic mean not common or abundant.

infrequent implies occurrence at wide intervals in space or time.

infrequent family visits

uncommon suggests a frequency below normal expectation.

smallpox is now uncommon in many countries

scarce implies falling short of a standard or required abundance.

jobs were scarce during the Depression

rare suggests extreme scarcity or infrequency and often implies consequent high value.

rare first editions

sporadic implies occurrence in scattered instances or isolated outbursts.

sporadic cases of influenza

Examples of uncommon in a Sentence

It is not uncommon for people to become depressed after they retire. an athlete with uncommon ability a soldier of uncommon courage She is an uncommon woman.
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.
Lightning strikes on people are rare, and fatalities are even more uncommon. — Zoey Thomas, Sun Sentinel, 28 Oct. 2026 Tucked along the riverbank beside quiet hamlets, andBeyond Punakha River Lodge offers an uncommon sense of complete seclusion. — Luke Abrahams, Vogue, 27 Oct. 2026 Advertisement The fungus was known to infect cats, but that was exceedingly uncommon. — Dominique Mosbergen, Time, 27 Oct. 2026 This pause is uncommon, a former State Department consular officer told NPR. — October 26, NPR, 26 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for uncommon

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1576, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of uncommon was circa 1576

Rhymes for uncommon

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Browse Nearby Words

uncommitted
uncommon
uncommunicable
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Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

uncommon

adjective
un·​com·​mon ˌən-ˈkäm-ən How to pronounce uncommon (audio)
ˈən-
1
: not ordinarily found or experienced : unusual
not uncommon to catch a cold
2
: extraordinary, remarkable, exceptional
has uncommon ability
uncommonly adverb
uncommonness
-ən-nəs How to pronounce uncommon (audio)
noun
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