most uncommon

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "most uncommon" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize the rarity of something, indicating that it is not just uncommon, but among the least common. Example: "The artifact was most uncommon, found only in a few remote locations around the world."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

Severe behaviour disorders are much less common, and true childhood psychosis is most uncommon.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But meagre compensation for the loss of that most uncommon of online commoners.

The Economist

But it is most uncommon for the same break to appear in the same work in two different manuscripts.

The Guardian

But the race, nonetheless, has proven itself to be one of the most uncommon and unpredictable of this political season.

The New York Times

"Bound for Glory" captures Guthrie vividly; he was fearsomely gifted and ambitious, and also egalitarian — a most uncommon man.

The New Yorker

In T-shirt, shorts and untied pumps, he looked like that most uncommon of urban creatures: a relaxed author.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

Beryllium is found in over 100 minerals, but most are uncommon to rare.

Wikipedia

Most were uncommon and some quite rare, though not necessarily expensive.

Vice

Swayze toiled away in some decent films through the 80s, most notably Uncommon Valor, a Vietnam POW drama co-starring Gene Hackman.

The Guardian - Film

"There were 12 different Hairstreaks, most considered rare or uncommon".

The New York Times

The most moving – and uncommon – thing about Berenice is what doesn't happen: no one dies and life goes on.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "most uncommon", consider the context to ensure the phrase accurately reflects the degree of rarity you intend to convey. It suggests something is not just unusual, but among the least frequently encountered.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "most uncommon" may sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "very rare" or "highly unusual" in informal settings to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "most uncommon" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to emphasize its exceptional rarity. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

27%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "most uncommon" is a grammatically correct and frequently used adjective phrase that emphasizes the exceptional rarity or infrequency of something. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its appropriate use spans various contexts, especially News & Media and Science, although it may sound overly formal in casual conversation. For a more natural tone in informal settings, consider using "very rare" or "highly unusual". This phrase effectively highlights that something isn't merely uncommon, but exceptionally so, falling among the least frequently encountered.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rarest

Focuses solely on scarcity, implying the item or event is one of the least frequently encountered.

least common

Directly contrasts commonality, highlighting the infrequent occurrence.

extremely rare

Highlights the exceptional scarcity of something.

highly unusual

Indicates a significant departure from what is typical or expected.

utterly exceptional

Emphasizes uniqueness and deviation from the norm, rather than mere infrequency.

remarkably infrequent

Stresses the low frequency of occurrence, drawing attention to its unusual nature.

decidedly scarce

Emphasizes the limited availability or occurrence of something.

singularly unique

Focuses on the distinctiveness and unmatched character of something.

virtually unheard of

Implies something is so rare it's almost unknown.

unparalleled in rarity

Highlights the unmatched scarcity of something, emphasizing that there is nothing similar in terms of rarity.

FAQs

What does "most uncommon" mean?

The phrase "most uncommon" means something is exceptionally rare or infrequent, standing out as particularly unusual compared to other things of its kind. It implies a high degree of scarcity.

How can I use "most uncommon" in a sentence?

You can use "most uncommon" to describe anything that is exceptionally rare. For example, "The blue lobster is a "extremely rare" and therefore, a "most uncommon" sight."

What are some alternatives to "most uncommon"?

Alternatives to "most uncommon" include "rarest", "least common", "highly unusual", or "extremely rare". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "most uncommon" more emphatic than "uncommon"?

Yes, "most uncommon" is more emphatic. While "uncommon" simply means not frequently encountered, "most uncommon" suggests something is among the least frequently encountered of its kind, intensifying the sense of rarity.