unoften

Unoften is a rarely used English adverb intended to mean not often or infrequently. It is not widely accepted as standard spelling in major dictionaries, and its appearances are mostly confined to experimental, humorous, or informal writing.

Etymology and usage context: unoften is formed by adding the negating prefix un- to the word often. While this kind of construction is recognizable, unoften remains a nonstandard or nonce formation rather than a fixed word. In ordinary writing, speakers typically say not often or infrequently; unoften is encountered mainly as a playful or stylistic coinage in certain literary or jokey contexts.

Practical considerations: because unoften is rare and potentially ambiguous, it should be used with care. Its tone can feel whimsical, archaic, or contrived, which may distract readers in formal or technical prose. When clarity is the goal, standard expressions such as not often, infrequently, or rarely are usually preferable. Authors may opt for unoften in creative writing to foreground rarity or to achieve a specific voice, but readers should not assume widespread acceptance of the term.

See also: often; not often; infrequently; rarely; seldom.

Notes: unoften is not commonly listed in major dictionaries and is best understood as a nonstandard or informal coinage rather than a recognized standard variant.