What does "uncommon" mean?

1. (rare or unusual) not happening often or not found in many places. 2. (exceptional) much better or greater than what is normal. 3. (very or exceedingly) used to mean 'very' or 'extremely' in some local ways of speaking.

How do you use "uncommon"?

As a flat adverb, it modifies an adjective directly without the '-ly' suffix.

uncommon

adj. · adv.

US //ənˈkɑmən// UK //ʌnkˈɒmən// un·com·mon

1 rare or unusual (adj.)
B1 Intermediate

not happening often or not found in many places.

occurring or found infrequently; not common or ordinary.

Example

It is uncommon to see snow in this part of the country during October.

Example

The botanist noted that while the flower was once widespread, it has become increasingly uncommon due to habitat loss and climate shifts.
2 exceptional (adj.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

much better or greater than what is normal.

remarkable or exceptional in quality, degree, or character.

Example

The young pianist showed uncommon talent for someone her age.

Example

The diplomat was praised for his uncommon patience during the long and difficult negotiations between the two nations.
- average
- mediocre

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3 very or exceedingly (adv.)
C2 Proficiency Dialect British English Archaic

used to mean 'very' or 'extremely' in some local ways of speaking.

functioning as an intensifier meaning exceedingly or exceptionally. Used as a flat adverb in specific regional dialects.

Example

The weather turned uncommon cold for a summer evening.

Example

He was an uncommon handsome man, though his gruff manner often discouraged people from approaching him.

Usage

As a flat adverb, it modifies an adjective directly without the '-ly' suffix.

Teacher's tip

This adverbial use is mostly found in 19th-century literature or specific rural British dialects; students should use 'uncommonly' in modern standard English.

Origin

From un- + common.