uncanny

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "uncanny" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that is strange or mysterious, often in a way that causes unease or discomfort. Example: "The resemblance between the two strangers was uncanny, making everyone in the room feel a bit unsettled."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Then, with an uncanny echo of the 1979 FA Cup final, when Manchester United had recovered in similar fashion to draw level with Arsenal at 2-2, the coolest head on the field swung the match back on to its original course.

The Guardian - Sport

When it works, though, look ahead has an uncanny effect, allowing cubers to link moves so seamlessly that their reflexes seem superhuman.

The Guardian - Tech

Rather, the sense of the uncanny you meet during a first trip to Algiers is classically Freudian: it is the dream-like sense that, without knowing it, you have already been here before.

The Guardian

But we can all recognise the uncanny quality of his dream: that chilling, portentous atmosphere.

The Guardian - Opinion

Encounters with the uncanny in Blackwood's work are often signalled by upwards movement.

The Guardian - Books

The English riots were described as a tidal wave of copycat disorder that swept across towns and cities with uncanny repetition.

The Guardian

"It's a really unnerving, uncanny experience – almost as if the whole place has been drained of emotion," he says.

The Guardian

Ghosts can be site-specific: any given place can harbour multiple rumours and tales of sightings, possessions or the uncanny feeling of being "not alone".

The Guardian - Opinion

Related: Robin Williams went above and beyond to stop his image being used "We found that we could create a realistic still image of Hepburn quite quickly but as soon as she has to move, turn her head or open her mouth, that's when things can start to look uncanny, when things don't look 100% real," he said.

The Guardian

His successor, Donald Trelford (1975-93), referred to Jane as a "white witch" for her uncanny ability to capture, time and again, a psychologically insightful portrait.

The Guardian - Arts

This uncanny naturalism is achieved by the cast initially synchronising their speech with tape recordings played through earpieces.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "uncanny" to describe something that is both strange and familiar, creating a sense of unease or mystery. It's more specific than simply 'strange'.

Common error

Avoid using "uncanny" when you simply mean 'strange' or 'unusual'. "Uncanny" implies a disturbing or unsettling familiarity, not just general oddness. For example, if a cat meows, it's strange if it speaks human language it's "uncanny".

Linguistic Context

The word "uncanny" functions primarily as an adjective. It modifies nouns to describe something as strangely familiar, mysterious, or unsettling. As Ludwig AI suggests, the word is used to convey a sense of unease caused by something peculiar.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Formal & Business

24%

Science

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "uncanny" is a versatile adjective used to describe something strangely familiar, mysterious, or unsettling. Ludwig AI confirms that "uncanny" is correct and commonly used in English. Its strength lies in conveying a feeling of unease or heightened perception, making it more specific than simply 'strange'. While appropriate for both formal and informal settings, its impact is often more pronounced in descriptive or serious writing. Frequent in news, formal business documents and scientific writing, "uncanny" adds a layer of complexity and intrigue to descriptions. Remember that using "uncanny" correctly means to invoke familiarity or mystery.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

eerie

Implies a disturbing or mysterious atmosphere.

unnatural

Suggests something deviating from the normal or expected course of nature.

unsettling

Describes something that makes you feel anxious or uneasy.

preternatural

Indicates something beyond what is normal in nature; supernatural.

strange

A general term for something unusual or surprising.

peculiar

Highlights the odd or unusual nature of something.

mysterious

Suggests something that is difficult to understand or explain.

weird

Informal term for something strange or bizarre.

odd

Simple term for something unusual.

unearthly

Suggests something not of this world; supernatural.

FAQs

How can I use "uncanny" in a sentence?

Use "uncanny" to describe something strangely familiar or unsettling, like, "The robot's movements had an "uncanny" resemblance to a human's, making it slightly creepy."

What words can I use instead of "uncanny"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "eerie", "unnatural", or "unsettling".

What does the phrase "uncanny valley" mean?

The "uncanny valley" describes the feeling of unease or revulsion people experience when they encounter something that closely, but not perfectly, resembles a human being.

Is "uncanny" a formal or informal word?

"Uncanny" is generally considered a neutral word suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, its impact is stronger in more serious or descriptive writing.