Words / A2

un-KOM-uh-n/ʌnˈkɒmən/

Uncommon means not happening or found often: uncommon in this area, not uncommon (a double negative meaning quite common). Rare is stronger. Common is the opposite. Unusual is a close cousin. Do not write uncommon when you mean uncommonly (adverb), or income.

Meaning

Not happening or found often.

Examples

• “Snow in April is uncommon in this town.”
• “Palm trees are uncommon in this part of Britain.”
• “It is not uncommon to queue for the ferry in summer.”

Good to know

uncommon in … / not uncommon (= quite common). Stronger: rare. Opposite: common. Cousin: unusual.

Near in meaning

unusual

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