'uncharacteristic' originates from the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' and the word 'characteristic' which comes from the Greek word 'kharaktēr' meaning 'a mark or symbol'.

'characteristic' evolved from the Greek word 'kharaktēr' through Latin 'characteristicus' and eventually became the modern English word 'characteristic'.

Initially, 'characteristic' meant 'a distinguishing mark or feature', and over time, 'uncharacteristic' evolved to mean 'not typical or usual'.