uncharacteristically

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "uncharacteristically" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe behavior or actions that are not typical for a person or thing. Example: "She was uncharacteristically quiet during the meeting, which surprised everyone."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Unless England end up doing uncharacteristically well – or unless someone happens to invent a horrible-sounding musical instrument with a funny name – then I have to admit that a World Cup can often pass me by.

The Guardian - Opinion

In what I hope was an uncharacteristically florid moment, I described Canterbury Cathedral as "not just a building, not even just a cathedral, but England in stone".

The Guardian - Opinion

For Rubio, who is regarded as a far better orator than his opponents, it was an uncharacteristically low-key reception.

The Guardian

It was an uncharacteristically vile act performed by a man almost universally held in the highest of regard and one for which he later apologised.

The Guardian - Sport

Adopting an uncharacteristically passionate tone, Cameron pledged to protect the NHS budget.

The Guardian

Suddenly a federation, uncharacteristically born without bloodshed, found itself divided over war and stoically nation building while mourning 62,000 killed and missing – and several hundred thousand more who could never be the same.

The Guardian

Things started to happen that couldn't be easily explained – absences from high-profile appearances, erratic behaviour – and friends grew uncharacteristically irritable when pressed about that, as if searching for ways to protect him without lying.

The Guardian - Opinion

He looked it, stumbling over his lines at times and looking uncharacteristically nervous.

The Guardian

Riyadh is having a bout of uncharacteristically high-profile and hyperactive diplomacy — motivated by genuine anger at Barack Obama's policies over both Syria and Iran and a (probably exaggerated) sense that the 60-year era of US commitment to defend the Gulf and its oil fields is drawing to an end.

The Guardian

The figure has been touted by people probably acclimatised to a little too much sunshine as evidence that Sydney weather is uncharacteristically cold.

The Guardian

New Zealand, meanwhile, despite benefitting from an early eight-point try, were hardly embarrassed but they were uncharacteristically conservative in a game in which they and Newcastle all but sowed the field with errors that grew and grew until you could see nothing but towering, thick-canopied Blundertrees covering the ground.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "uncharacteristically", ensure the context clearly establishes the typical behavior or character being deviated from. This provides a stronger contrast and emphasizes the unusual nature of the action.

Common error

Avoid using "uncharacteristically" when describing actions that are simply rare but not necessarily out of line with the subject's overall character. The term implies a genuine departure from established traits, not just infrequent behavior.

Linguistic Context

The adverb "uncharacteristically" functions as a modifier, indicating that an action or behavior deviates from what is typical or expected of the subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to highlight a contrast with established patterns, as seen in examples where someone is "uncharacteristically silent" or "uncharacteristically nervous".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "uncharacteristically" is a grammatically sound adverb used to describe actions that deviate from the typical behavior of a subject. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. As demonstrated by the numerous examples from diverse sources such as The Guardian and The Economist, it's a common term in news, formal writing, and general discourse. When employing this adverb, ensure the typical behavior is well-established to create a stronger contrast. Alternatives such as "atypically" or "unusually" can be used to similar effect.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in an uncharacteristic way

Rephrases "uncharacteristically" using a slightly different structure, maintaining the core meaning.

atypically

A more formal synonym for "uncharacteristically", implying a deviation from the norm.

unusually

Indicates that something is not typical or common, similar to "uncharacteristically".

not typically

A more explicit way of stating that something is not the usual case.

out of character

Focuses on the deviation from someone's established personality or behavior.

in a manner that is unusual

Similar to "uncharacteristically", but uses a more descriptive and less concise phrasing.

contrary to habit

Emphasizes the departure from a usual pattern or routine.

in a way that is not typical

Expresses the idea of "uncharacteristically" by focusing on the atypical nature of the action.

deviating from the norm

Highlights the divergence from what is considered standard or expected.

against the grain

This idiom suggests acting contrary to one's natural inclinations or usual behavior.

FAQs

How can I use "uncharacteristically" in a sentence?

You can use "uncharacteristically" to describe an action that is not typical for a person or thing. For example, "She was "uncharacteristically quiet" during the meeting, which surprised everyone."

What are some alternatives to using "uncharacteristically"?

Some alternatives to "uncharacteristically" include "atypically", "unusually", or "out of character", depending on the specific context.

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

No, "uncharacteristic" is an adjective, while "uncharacteristically" is an adverb. You would use "uncharacteristic" to describe the quality of something, and "uncharacteristically" to describe how something is done. For example, "His behavior was uncharacteristic" versus "He acted uncharacteristically."

How does "uncharacteristically" differ from "rarely"?

"Rarely" indicates that something does not happen often. "Uncharacteristically" indicates that something is not in line with the typical behavior or nature of someone or something. An action could be rare but still within character, whereas something that is "uncharacteristically bold" is surprising because it is not typical.