WordGarden.iouncommon
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /ʌnkˈɒmən/
US
- /ənˈkɑmən/
Meanings
Adjective
not found, seen, or happening often
unusual or beyond the ordinary
Beyond the definition
Something uncommon isn't typical—it stands out from the norm. It doesn't mean something is bad or strange, just that you don't encounter it very often. A blue moon is an uncommon event, and a person with perfect pitch has an uncommon talent. You might describe a beautifully crafted antique as uncommon because such items are rarely seen these days. It is the opposite of common, but not necessarily negative!
Think of it like finding a four-leaf clover—it's a lovely surprise precisely because it's uncommon. Or consider a skill like blacksmithing; while once widespread, it's now an uncommon profession. It suggests something special or out of the ordinary.
The word uncommon describes something that is not frequently encountered, prevalent, or typical. It signifies rarity and deviation from what is considered normal or usual. While "rare" and "unusual" are close synonyms, uncommon often carries a slightly less dramatic weight—it doesn't necessarily imply extreme scarcity, just a lack of frequency.
You might describe an uncommon kindness as something particularly touching because genuine generosity isn't always the norm. A person with an uncommon level of dedication to their craft is someone who goes above and beyond what's expected.
The context matters: an uncommon mistake is one that does not happen very often, while an uncommon gemstone suggests something truly valuable and hard to find. It can also describe personality traits—"He had an uncommon sense of humor" implies a unique and refreshing wit.
Historically, the prefix "un-" means "not," so uncommon literally means "not common." But it has evolved beyond simple negation; it now suggests something possessing a degree of distinction or individuality simply by virtue of its infrequency. So, when you encounter something that deviates from the everyday, something that feels special because it's not often seen—you've found something uncommon.
Examples
- 1
Weather
Snow in April is uncommon here.
- 2
City services
Long power cuts are uncommon in this part of the city.
- 3
Child development
It is uncommon for children that age to ask such detailed questions.
- Patternuncommon for + person/group to do something
not usual for that person or group
- 4
Social ease
She has an uncommon talent for making nervous guests feel relaxed.
- Patternan uncommon talent for + activity
an unusual and noticeable ability in that area
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Workplace
That level of openness is uncommon among senior managers.
- 6
Physical reaction
It's not uncommon for people to feel tired for a few days after the vaccine.
- Phrasenot uncommon
fairly common
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- uncommon occurrence
- not uncommon
- uncommon knowledge
- uncommon sense
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- uncommonadjective