uncharacteristic
/ˌʌnˌkærəktəˈrɪstɪk/ (bre, ipa) · [ˌʌnkˌɛrɪktɚˈɪstɪk] /ˌʌnˌkærəktəˈrɪstɪk/ (ame, ipa) · [ˌʌnkˌɛrɪktɚˈɪstɪk] /ˌən-ˌker-ik-tə-ˈri-stik How to pronounce uncharacteristic (audio) -ˌka-rik-/ (ame, mw)
uncharacteristic — adjective
- uncharacteristicpositive
- more uncharacteristiccomparative
- most uncharacteristicsuperlative
1. not matching the known pattern of how a particular person or thing usually acts
not matching the known pattern of how a particular person or thing usually acts or appears — used when an action, quality, or event seems surprising because it does not fit what people normally expect
Gabriel’s uncharacteristic silence at the meeting worried his colleagues.
possessive + uncharacteristic + noun describing behavior
The warm sunny weather was uncharacteristic for December in northern Norway.
uncharacteristic for [time/place]
It was uncharacteristic of Noor to arrive late for an appointment.
Sayaka showed uncharacteristic patience while helping the new students learn the lab procedures.
In an uncharacteristic move, the hotel is now offering free breakfast to every guest.
- atypical
more formal and factual; often used in statistics or clinical descriptions rather than everyday speech
- unusual
broader in meaning — describes anything uncommon, not necessarily a break from a known pattern
- abnormal
stronger negative connotation, suggesting something is wrong or unhealthy
- out of character
idiomatic phrase, used specifically about a person's behaviour not matching their personality
- characteristic
the direct opposite — something that is typical of a person or thing
- typical
the most common antonym; describes behaviour or qualities that match expectations
用法筆記
Frequently followed by 'of' to name the person or thing whose usual qualities are being contrasted: uncharacteristic of [someone/something]. Also appears in the fixed phrase 'in an uncharacteristic move' before describing an action that surprises observers.