Uncharacteristically

Uncharacteristically is an adverb used to describe actions, remarks, or behaviors that are not typical of a person or thing. It signals a deviation from the usual patterns associated with someone’s character or a thing’s established traits.

It is derived from the adjective uncharacteristic, formed from the prefix un- plus characteristic. The adverbial form is created by adding the standard English suffix to that adjective, yielding uncharacteristically.

In usage, uncharacteristically is often employed to convey surprise or noteworthy deviation. It commonly modulates verbs or adjectives, as in “She spoke uncharacteristically softly” or “The team acted uncharacteristically decisively,” signaling a departure from expected behavior or performance. The term can be neutral or descriptive, depending on context.

Related terms include uncharacteristic (the base adjective), as well as atypical, unusual, and out of character. The word is most often used when contrasting current behavior with a person’s known tendencies or a standard pattern in a given situation.