rarity

noun

rar·​i·​ty ˈrer-ə-tē 

plural rarities

1

: the quality, state, or fact of being rare

2

: one that is rare

Synonyms

• curio
• curiosity
• exotic
• objet d'art
• objet
• oddity
• oddment

Examples of rarity in a Sentence

In most sports, athletes over the age of 50 are rarities.

Snow is a rarity in this part of the world.

He is selling most of his collection, keeping only the real rarities.

The rarity of the disease makes it difficult to diagnose.

Recent Examples on the Web

That different neural pathways with opposite valence for the same odor are combined to balance attraction and aversion based on physiological state is a rarity. —ArsTechnica, 2 Apr. 2025

Now, with one daughter out of the house, gathering all five of us at the dinner table is a rarity. —Rob Mank, Christian Science Monitor, 2 Apr. 2025

Despite the rarity of citizenship fraud in elections, the president persists in claiming fraud is rampant in U.S. elections. —Nidia Cavazos, CBS News, 31 Mar. 2025

Remember the rarity of finding a café that made almond milk lattes? —Katie Stone, Vogue, 31 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1542, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for rarity

• charity
• clarity
• parity
• verity
• alterity
• asperity
• austerity
• celerity
• dexterity
• disparity
• hilarity
• molarity

Kids Definition

rarity

noun

rar·​i·​ty ˈrar-ət-ē 

ˈrer-

plural rarities

1

: the quality, state, or fact of being rare

2

: someone or something rare