Rarely-seen

Describing something that is infrequently or seldom observed; not often encountered or experienced. This term highlights the infrequency of a particular phenomenon, object, or behavior, emphasizing its scarcity and uniqueness. It suggests that encountering such a thing is an unusual or uncommon occurrence, making it noteworthy when it does appear. The rarity implied can stem from various causes, including limited availability, elusive behavior, or specific environmental conditions, resulting in only brief glimpses or limited instances.

Rarely-seen meaning with examples

• The elusive snow leopard, a rarely-seen predator in its high-altitude habitat, was captured on camera by a wildlife monitoring project. This footage provided invaluable insights into the creature's behavior and survival. It has become one of the most desired animals to capture on film, with many wildlife documentaries focusing on the species.
• Due to the extreme remoteness and lack of human disturbance, a vibrant population of rarely-seen deep-sea creatures thrives in the abyssal plains of the Pacific Ocean. These creatures often have unique adaptations and are a constant source of new scientific discoveries and observations.
• Despite the popularity of baseball cards, a mint-condition Honus Wagner card is a rarely-seen item, fetching millions at auction. The combination of the card's history and its scarcity make it one of the most sought after collectibles in history.
• The meteor shower, a rarely-seen celestial event, graced the night sky, offering skywatchers a spectacular display of shooting stars. Its beauty drew many people to appreciate the majesty of space and the events that can be witnessed from Earth.