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

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Choose the Right Synonym for uncommon

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.
Mind you, such numbers aren’t uncommon when a new artistic director takes over. — David Lyman, The Enquirer, 7 Aug. 2025 In the United States and other high-income countries, such infections are uncommon. — Faye Chiu, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2025 Cruise cancellations are relatively uncommon but can happen for various reasons, including full-ship charters or when a ship needs to go into dry dock. — Nathan Diller, USA Today, 5 Aug. 2025 Placenta consumption is not uncommon, with some believing that benefits can include helping new mothers in the postpartum period. — Katie Bain, Billboard, 4 Aug. 2025 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 13 Aug. 2025.

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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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