unco

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unco" is correct and usable in written English, particularly in Scottish dialect.
It can be used to describe something that is strange, unusual, or out of the ordinary. Example: "The weather has been quite unco lately, with unexpected snow in April."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

"The actions taken by the Australian government are counterproductive and unco-operative," Gusmao said.

The Guardian

Unco-ordinated, this would have led to chaos in trade.

The Economist

That choice, he says, rests on a government policy that withholds welfare benefits for the duration of a hospital stay at the state's expense.Some think South Africa should consider forcibly confining unco-operative patients carrying the nastiest strains, however much that would flout individual liberty.

The Economist

Their stand has been touchingly unco-ordinated; more effective, it may transpire, for seeming heartfelt rather than conspiratorial.

The Economist

But, as someone close to Mr Bondi put it, what use to creditors is a bunch of yachts with crews who have not been paid for months?For all his public tears, Mr Tanzi has been unco-operative with magistrates and Mr Bondi.

The Economist

He refrained from mentioning the fact that the king can dissolve an unco-operative parliament, and veto unhelpful bills.

The Economist

With mergers and scale come problems such as duplication (two chief executives and treasuries, say), more bureaucratic decision-making and unco-ordinated purchasing (of, for instance, reinsurance) by different parts of the business.One approach is to standardise operations as much as possible just as Citi is trying to do.

The Economist

He admitted to being "unco-operative" in the past, and offered to change.

The Economist

Even the weather was unco-operative.But the biggest shadow over the event was the remembrance of two sad stories from recent years.

The Economist

He points to the unco-ordinated response of different tiers of government, the navy and oil companies.

The Economist

The agency got an attorney-general and ten unco-operative prosecutors fired in its first year, and last year it prevented some underqualified candidates from being chosen as judges.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "unco", be mindful of your audience, as it's primarily understood in Scottish dialect. Consider whether a more widely recognized synonym like "strange" or "unusual" would be more appropriate for broader communication.

Common error

Avoid using "unco" in formal writing or when communicating with individuals unfamiliar with Scottish dialects, as it may not be understood and could lead to confusion.

Linguistic Context

Adjectival or adverbial modifier. "Unco" functions primarily as an adjective modifying nouns or as an adverb intensifying adjectives or verbs. This dual function aligns with its definitions of "strange" or "very", respectively, as validated by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "unco" is recognized as an adjective and adverb with primary use in Scottish dialect, meaning "very", "strange", or "uncoordinated". The Ludwig AI confirms that "unco" is grammatically correct, but it is relatively rare in contemporary English and strongly associated with informal contexts. Due to its dialectal nature, it's crucial to consider the audience and context when using "unco", as more widely understood synonyms like "strange", "unusual", or "very" might be preferable for clarity in broader communication. While there are no direct examples available in Ludwig's database, its infrequent use suggests careful consideration is needed to ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

strange

Emphasizes something unusual or unexpected, lacking the specific regional connotation of "unco".

weird

Highlights something odd or peculiar, similar to "unco" in describing something out of the ordinary.

unusual

Focuses on the uncommon nature of something, a more general term than "unco".

remarkable

Indicates something noteworthy or exceptional, shifting the focus to positive distinctiveness.

outstanding

Highlights the superior quality of something, moving away from the 'strange' aspect of "unco".

very

A simple intensifier, capturing the 'very' definition but losing the unique nuance of "unco".

remarkably

An adverbial form focusing on the degree to which something is noticeable or surprising.

unusually

Similar to "unusual", this emphasizes the deviation from the norm.

awkward

Describes a lack of coordination or grace, reflecting the 'uncoordinated' meaning of "unco".

clumsy

Suggests a lack of physical skill or grace, similar to the 'uncoordinated' sense of "unco".

FAQs

How to use "unco" in a sentence?

Depending on the context, "unco" can mean "very", "strange", or "uncoordinated". For example, "That's "unco strange"" or "He's "unco awkward" on the dance floor".

What can I say instead of "unco"?

You can use alternatives like "very", "strange", "unusual", or "uncoordinated" depending on the context.

Is "unco" formal or informal?

"Unco" is generally considered "informal" and is associated with Scottish dialect. It's best used in casual conversation or when writing in a dialectal style.

What does "unco" mean in Scottish dialect?

In Scottish dialect, "unco" can mean "very", "strange", or "uncoordinated". The specific meaning depends on the context in which it's used.