uncharacteristic for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "uncharacteristic for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is not typical or normal for a certain person, thing, or situation. For example, "It was uncharacteristic for John to miss the meeting, as he is usually very punctual."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The show of emotion was uncharacteristic for Kuroda.

The New York Times - Sports

This new photographs are uncharacteristic for you in many ways.

The New York Times

"Last year was pretty uncharacteristic for me," Brien said.

The New York Times - Sports

I took the initiative, which was very uncharacteristic for me.

The Guardian - Books

The Met Office said this type of weather was not uncharacteristic for the time of year.

Independent

David Lynch's Twin Peaks proved uncharacteristic for an American show in this respect.

Independent

Such restraint is new, and still a bit uncharacteristic for her.

The New York Times - Arts

Waking every morning with feelings of existential blankness is uncharacteristic for me.

The New York Times

He said it would have been uncharacteristic for her to disappear without telling anyone.

The New York Times

We do something that's completely uncharacteristic for Americans — we listen to the entire speech".

The New York Times

The aggressive block was uncharacteristic for Van Horn and for the Nets' defensive scheme.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "uncharacteristic for", ensure that the subject and the reference point (what it's uncharacteristic for) are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "uncharacteristic for" when a simple "atypical" or "unusual" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound verbose. Consider if specifying the comparison is truly necessary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "uncharacteristic for" functions as an adjectival modifier indicating that a particular behavior, trait, or event deviates from the typical pattern or expected norms of a subject. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage in describing deviations from usual behavior.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

12%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "uncharacteristic for" is a common and grammatically sound construction used to denote a deviation from the expected norms or behaviors of a given subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used across various contexts, especially in News & Media, Science, and general writing. Alternatives include "atypical of" and "out of character for", offering subtle differences in emphasis. When using this phrase, clarity and conciseness are key to avoiding ambiguity. With a strong expert rating and diverse applications, "uncharacteristic for" remains a reliable and effective tool for expressing unexpected or unusual attributes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

out of character for

Specifically refers to a person's behavior being inconsistent with their usual traits.

not typical of

Directly states that something is not representative.

atypical of

Emphasizes the deviation from a norm or standard.

unlike what is expected of

Highlights a divergence from anticipated conduct or performance.

not in keeping with

Highlights a lack of consistency with established patterns.

anomalous for

Implies irregularity or abnormality.

divergent from the usual for

Indicates a departure from typical behavior or practice.

deviant from the norm for

Focuses on statistical deviation.

contrary to the nature of

Highlights a fundamental inconsistency.

uncommon in the case of

Suggests infrequency within a specific subject.

FAQs

How can I use "uncharacteristic for" in a sentence?

"Uncharacteristic for" is used to describe something that is not typical or normal for a specific person, thing, or situation. For example, "It was "uncharacteristic for" him to be late."

What are some alternatives to "uncharacteristic for"?

You can use alternatives such as "atypical of", "out of character for", or "not typical of" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "uncharacteristic of" instead of "uncharacteristic for"?

While both "uncharacteristic of" and ""uncharacteristic for"" can be used, "atypical of" is often preferred when describing general traits, while ""uncharacteristic for"" emphasizes a departure from usual behavior or expectations.

What's the difference between "unusual for" and "uncharacteristic for"?

"Unusual for" simply means not common or rare for something. "Uncharacteristic for" implies that something is not only uncommon but also unexpected given the typical nature or traits of the subject.