uncommon

Everyday

1. Uncommon means not happening or seen often; rare or unusual. tree →
2. (old-fashioned) Uncommon can mean remarkable or very great, like «an uncommon talent». tree →

In the lessons

In science: uncommon animals, plants or diseases; in maths, uncommon events have a low probability. In everyday talk: «it's not uncommon» means it happens quite often. In stories it marks something special or surprising.

Examples

• Snow is uncommon in Sydney. tree →
• It is not uncommon to feel nervous before a test. tree →
• The uncommon bird was spotted by only a few people. tree →
• Twins are less common than single babies, but not very uncommon. tree →
• She has an uncommon gift for music. tree →
• An uncommon name can be hard to spell. tree →
• He opened one and found a very uncommon herb in it. tree →

Note

Opposite: «common». «Not uncommon» is a double negative meaning «fairly common». In maths, an uncommon event is unlikely, but it can still happen. Comparatives: «more uncommon», «most uncommon».