What does unfrequent mean?
Unfrequent is an adjective meaning not frequent but occurring only seldom. It describes something rare, sporadic, or otherwise encountered at long intervals, and it can characterize events, occurrences, or visits. In ordinary modern usage, “infrequent” is generally the clearer and more familiar choice; “unfrequent” has a somewhat formal or literary sound and may suggest that something happens deliberately only now and then. The word nevertheless remains useful because it combines negation with the familiar idea of frequency and can give a description a clipped, slightly emphatic quality. In practice, it is most at home in contexts where an occurrence or appearance genuinely happens rarely, rather than as a substitute for every standard synonym of “infrequent.” It is recognized in both British and American English, though it is less familiar than its more common relative.
adjectiveOccurring rarely or at long intervals; infrequent.
- Occurring only occasionally or at long intervals.
"In this dry valley, heavy rain is an unfrequent occurrence."
"In this dry valley, heavy rain is an unfrequent occurrence."
"The novel is notable for the unfrequent appearance of its central character."
Sometimes a word takes the scenic route: “unfrequent” reaches the same idea as “infrequent” without taking the shortcut.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does unfrequent come from?
The word was formed in English by adding the prefix “un-” to “frequent.” “Frequent” ultimately comes from Latin, where the related family of words expressed the ideas of being common, crowded, or occurring often. The prefixed form has followed the same general meaning as “infrequent,” while remaining less common in modern English.
Related word forms
How unfrequent is actually used
The adjective is uncommon in contemporary English; “infrequent” is the usual neutral choice. It can sound formal or literary, especially when describing events, occurrences, or visits.
Easily confused with unfrequent
Both words mean happening rarely, but “infrequent” is the standard modern choice, while “unfrequent” is less common and has a more formal or literary flavor.