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

As the show regularly notes, and the finale goes out of its way to underline, Vera joined the force when women were still a rarity. —Mary McNamara, Los Angeles Times, 9 Jan. 2025

Both Krug and Eden Rock are bold, nonconformist brands that value craftsmanship, rarity, and sustainability. —Jillian Dara, Forbes, 6 Jan. 2025

The meeting had about 50 people in attendance, a rarity, according to some residents. —Ana Claudia Chacin, Miami Herald, 2 Jan. 2025

Bill was an extraordinary rarity—a highly productive and widely admired artist who relentlessly pursued self-knowledge, seeking nothing less than an understanding of the fundamental questions of being. —David A. Ross, Artforum, 1 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1542, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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