uncommon

comparative more uncommon · comparative uncommoner · superlative most uncommon · superlative uncommonest

1. Rare; not readily found; unusual.

   Bald eagles are an uncommon sighting in this state.

   2 more examples

   This is not an uncommon practice.

   1946 January and February, “The Why and The Wherefore: The Forth Bridge”, in Railway Magazine, page 59

   There’s no delicate way to put this, so we’re just going to come right out and say it – we feel that ramp meters are underappreciated. […] Yet, it’s not uncommon to see drivers totally ignore a ramp meter and drive right through its red light.

   2014 February 5, “Ramp Meters: Unappreciated or just misunderstood?”, in Arizona Department of Transportation, archived from the original on 25 Jun 2022

2. Remarkable; exceptional.

   The diamond was of uncommon size

1. UKarchaicdialectalnot comparableExceedingly, exceptionally.

   'The Squire's pretty springe, considering his weight,' said Mr Macey, 'and he stamps uncommon well.'

   1861, George Eliot [pseudonym; Mary Ann Evans], chapter XI, in Silas Marner: The Weaver of Raveloe, Edinburgh; London: William Blackwood and Sons, →OCLC

   1 more example

   ‘Is Suffolk your county, sir?’ asked William. ‘Yes,’ I said, with some importance. ‘Suffolk’s my county.’ ‘I’m told the dumplings is uncommon fine down there,’ said William.

   1849 May – 1850 November, Charles Dickens, The Personal History of David Copperfield, London: Bradbury & Evans, […], published 1850, →OCLC