infrequent

UK: /ɪnˈfriːkwənt/ | US: /ɪnˈfriːkwənt/

Definition

  1. adj. occurring or appearing seldom; not regular or habitual

  2. adj. rare or uncommon in occurrence

Structure
in <not>frequent <regular>
Etymology

infrequent = in<not> + frequent<regular>

  • in: A prefix of Latin origin meaning "not" or "without."
  • frequent: From Latin frequens ("crowded, repeated, regular"), derived from frequere ("to fill, crowd").

Etymology Origin:
The word "infrequent" combines the negative prefix in- with frequent, originally describing something "not crowded" or "not repeated often." Over time, it evolved to mean "rare" or "occurring seldom," reflecting the logical opposition to regularity.

Examples

  1. Her visits to the countryside became infrequent after moving to the city.

  2. Infrequent rainfall in the region has led to water shortages.

  3. The bus service is infrequent on weekends.

  4. He made infrequent appearances at social gatherings.

  5. Infrequent errors in the report suggest careful editing.