infrequent

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'infrequent' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use 'infrequent' to describe something that happens or occurs less often than is typical or expected. For example, "Due to the current circumstances, visits to the library are now infrequent."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Instances of strong scenes portraying violence that "might make the viewer uncomfortable" were "infrequent", said Ofcom.

The Guardian

Lochlinn Parker, a solicitor for the protesters, welcomed the IPCC's decision but said it was "an all too infrequent recommendation, especially in public order cases".

The Guardian

The relative, who spoke to the programme on condition of anonymity, said the 23-year-old had made infrequent but increasingly erratic phone calls to the family.

The Guardian

A student at a university in the west of England describes placement support as infrequent and says it was never made clear how to communicate issues.

The Guardian

There are local buses – though, infrequent – between the various villages and towns in the Sierra making a hire-car unnecessary for walkers.

The Guardian - Travel

Long before the Conchords, Darby had established himself as a well-respected stand-up through constant gigging, but these days his shows over here are a relatively infrequent pleasure.

The Guardian

Earthquakes are a regular occurrence and eruptions not infrequent.

The Guardian - Travel

THE strike-weary French have grown used to a day's worth of infrequent trains, absent teachers, undelivered post and unprinted newspapers.

The Economist

South Africa used to see large, if infrequent, foreign investment, but it has seen virtually none since the beginning of the year.

The Economist

But he has done so surprisingly sparingly and obliquely, given his saintly reputation.King Bhumibol's only other English biography, "The Revolutionary King" by William Stevenson, argues that his interventions have been effective precisely because they have been guarded and infrequent.

The Economist

Transactions are limited to deposit-taking and infrequent loans for which banks require collateral worth up to four times the credit.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "infrequent" to describe events, actions, or items that do not occur regularly or in large quantities. It's a versatile word applicable in various contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "infrequent" when you mean something is not significant or of little value. "Infrequent" refers to how often something occurs, not its importance.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "infrequent" primarily functions to modify nouns, indicating that the noun it describes occurs or exists rarely. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, showing it describing events, actions, or items that lack regularity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Formal & Business

22%

Travel

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "infrequent" is an adjective used to describe something that doesn't occur often. According to Ludwig AI, the word is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English, appearing frequently in news and business contexts. Alternatives include "rare", "uncommon", and "occasional", each with slightly different nuances. When using "infrequent", ensure you're focusing on frequency, not importance. This word choice guide will help you effectively use "infrequent" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not frequent

A direct rephrasing, focusing on the lack of frequency.

rare

Indicates a low frequency of occurrence, emphasizing scarcity.

uncommon

Describes something not often found or experienced, focusing on its unusual nature.

occasional

Suggests occurrences that happen from time to time, without regularity.

sporadic

Implies irregular and scattered occurrences, often without a predictable pattern.

seldom

Indicates that something happens only a few times.

sparse

Highlights the low density or frequency of something.

irregular

Describes occurrences that do not follow a regular pattern or schedule.

few and far between

Emphasizes the rarity and distance between occurrences.

scant

Suggests a minimal amount or frequency.

FAQs

How can I use "infrequent" in a sentence?

You can use "infrequent" to describe something that does not happen often. For example, "Due to budget cuts, staff meetings are now "infrequent"".

What words are similar to "infrequent"?

Similar words include "rare", "uncommon", "occasional", and "sporadic". Each carries a slightly different nuance related to how often something occurs.

Is it better to say "infrequent" or "not frequent"?

"Infrequent" is generally more concise and formal than "not frequent". The choice depends on the desired tone and context. Both are grammatically correct.

What's the difference between "infrequent" and "rare"?

Both words describe something that doesn't happen often, but "rare" often implies a higher degree of unusualness or scarcity than "infrequent". Something "infrequent" simply doesn't happen often, while something "rare" is exceptional.