ENGLISH
REFERENCE

uncommon

adj.
B1 Intermediate US //ənˈkɑmən// UK //ʌnkˈɒmən// un·com·mon Archaic Dialect

adj. not happening often or not seen very much. You use it to describe something that is rare or special because it is different from the usual.

adj. not frequently encountered or occurring; unusual in nature or frequency. Often used to highlight a deviation from the statistical or social norm.


SIMPLE

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

CONTEXTUAL

The doctor noted that such a reaction to the medicine is uncommon but not dangerous.

COMPLEX

While the species was once widespread, it has become increasingly uncommon due to the fragmentation of its natural habitat and the introduction of invasive predators.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Origin

From un- + common.

Usage

Typically functions as an attributive adjective before a noun or a predicative adjective after a linking verb.

Pitfall

an uncommon frequent eventan uncommon eventLearners sometimes use 'uncommon' as an adverb meaning 'rarely'; it is an adjective and should modify a noun.

© 2026 English Reference