uncharacteristic

adjective

un·​char·​ac·​ter·​is·​tic ˌən-ˌker-ik-tə-ˈri-stik How to pronounce uncharacteristic (audio)
-ˌka-rik-
: not characteristic : not typical or distinctive
uncharacteristic outbursts of temper
uncharacteristically adverb

Examples of uncharacteristic in a Sentence

It was an uncharacteristic outburst of temper. Her uncharacteristic silence bothered me.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Sooners gave up uncharacteristic first inning runs off a throwing error and a sacrifice from Texas catcher Reese Atwood. Allison Smith, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025 Dach was recorded driving a top speed of 96 mph, though the lawyers noted that was uncharacteristic. Mark Pazniokas, Hartford Courant, 2 June 2025 For comparison, the Wolves actually forced 15 turnovers by the Thunder, which is uncharacteristic for them — but OKC gave up only 10 points off those turnovers. Zach Harper, New York Times, 21 May 2025 Lindor’s uncharacteristic issues against lefties — he’s generally been a bit better from the right side over his career — allowed opposing teams to consistently bring in a left-handed reliever to face the Mets’ top of the order. Tim Britton, New York Times, 22 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for uncharacteristic

Word History

First Known Use

1748, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of uncharacteristic was in 1748

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Uncharacteristic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/uncharacteristic. Accessed 7 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on uncharacteristic

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!