What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
uncommon
Example
It's uncommon to see snow in this part of the country. [uncommon: adjective]
Example
The dish was made with uncommon ingredients that I had never heard of before. [uncommon: adjective]
unusual
Example
It's unusual for him to be late to our meetings. [unusual: adjective]
Example
The painting had an unusual color palette that caught my attention. [unusual: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Uncommon is less commonly used than unusual in everyday language. Unusual is a more versatile word that can be used in both formal and informal contexts, while uncommon is typically used in more formal settings.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between uncommon and unusual?
Uncommon is more formal than unusual and is often used in academic or professional contexts to describe things that are rare or infrequent. Unusual, on the other hand, is more commonly used in informal contexts and can have a playful or humorous tone.
