Few and far between

usgb
adverb

Something is rare, uncommon or not frequent.

In the harsh desert environment, sources of water are few and far between.
Visual representation of "few and far between" - Something is rare, uncommon or not frequent.

Often appears as...

  • opportunities are few and far between
  • examples are few and far between

Usage tips

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "few and far between"
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Rarity Emphasis

Use it when emphasizing how uncommon something is in a specific context.

Illustration for Rarity Emphasis
True acts of selflessness are few and far between these days.
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Negative Implication

Often implies a sense of disappointment about the scarcity.

Illustration for Negative Implication
Since the factory closed, decent job offers have been few and far between.
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No Exact Frequency

Doesn't specify how rare, just that occurrences are not often.

Illustration for No Exact Frequency
Celebrity sightings are few and far between in our small town.
Visual representation of the word "Few and far between"

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