What does uncommonly mean?
Uncommonly is an adverb with two closely related uses. It can describe something that happens less often than usual, as in “The condition is seen uncommonly,” meaning that it is rare. More often in contemporary prose, it modifies an adjective or another expression to indicate an exceptional degree: “an uncommonly large audience,” “uncommonly high temperatures,” or “an uncommonly difficult question.” In this intensifying use, it is similar to “exceptionally” or “unusually,” though its wording can also suggest that the described degree is unusual rather than simply large. The word is neutral in register and common in formal writing, journalism, education, and careful speech; informal speakers often prefer “really,” “especially,” or “rarely,” depending on the intended meaning. Because its first use can mean “rarely” while its second means “more than usual,” context and the word it modifies are crucial. Uncommonly is useful where writers want to be precise without claiming that something is extraordinary or unprecedented.
adverbIn a way that occurs less often than usual; rarely. When modifying an adjective, it can also mean to a degree greater than usual; unusually.
- More than usual; unusually, especially when modifying an adjective.
- Not often; rarely.
"The mountain is uncommonly difficult to climb, even for experienced climbers."
"An uncommonly large crowd gathered outside the theatre."
"The native bird is uncommonly shy around people."
Uncommonly can mean either “rarely” or “exceptionally”—context decides which meaning you are seeing.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does uncommonly come from?
Uncommonly was formed in English by combining the negative prefix un- with commonly, an adverb derived from common. Common entered Middle English through Anglo-French commun and ultimately Latin communis, meaning “shared” or “general.” The same Latin root underlies cognate English words such as community, commune, and communicate, although their individual semantic histories vary.
Related word forms
How uncommonly is actually used
The word is neutral in register and is especially common in formal prose, journalism, and academic writing. Its meaning can depend on construction, so a careful context is needed to distinguish unusual degree from infrequency.
Easily confused with uncommonly
Uncommon is an adjective meaning “not common” or “unusual,” whereas uncommonly is the adverb used to modify a verb, adjective, or another adverb.