What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
noncharacteristic
Example
The noncharacteristic behavior of the usually calm dog worried the owner. [noncharacteristic: adjective]
Example
The noncharacteristic style of the artist's latest work surprised her fans. [noncharacteristic: adjective]
uncharacteristic
Example
The athlete's uncharacteristic mistake cost his team the game. [uncharacteristic: adjective]
Example
Her uncharacteristic silence during the meeting surprised her colleagues. [uncharacteristic: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Uncharacteristic is more commonly used than noncharacteristic in everyday language. Uncharacteristic is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while noncharacteristic is less common and may be more technical or formal in usage.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between noncharacteristic and uncharacteristic?
Both noncharacteristic and uncharacteristic can be used in formal and informal contexts, but noncharacteristic may be more technical or specialized in certain fields.