unnatural

adjective

un·​nat·​u·​ral ˌən-ˈna-chə-rəl 

-ˈnach-rəl

1

: not being in accordance with nature or consistent with a normal course of events

It seemed unnatural to keep the bird in a cage.

2

a

: not being in accordance with normal human feelings or behavior

an unnatural devotion to money

b

: lacking ease and naturalness : contrived

her manner was forced and unnatural

c

: inconsistent with what is reasonable or expected

an unnatural alliance

unnaturally

ˌən-ˈna-chə-rə-lē 

-ˈnach-rə-, 

-ˈna-chər-

adverb

unnaturalness

ˌən-ˈna-chə-rəl-nəs 

-ˈnach-rəl-

noun

Synonyms of unnatural

• abnormal

Choose the Right Synonym for unnatural

irregular, anomalous, unnatural mean not conforming to rule, law, or custom.

irregular implies not conforming to a law or regulation imposed for the sake of uniformity in method, practice, or conduct.

concerned about his irregular behavior

anomalous implies not conforming to what might be expected because of the class or type to which it belongs or the laws that govern its existence.

her drive made her an anomalous figure in a sleepy organization

unnatural suggests what is contrary to nature or to principles or standards felt to be essential to the well-being of civilized society.

prisoners treated with unnatural cruelty

Examples of unnatural in a Sentence

It seems unnatural to keep the bird in a cage.

She has an unnatural obsession with money.

Her smile looked forced and unnatural.

Recent Examples on the Web

While some can be used across different hair textures, lengths, curl patterns, thicknesses, colors (natural and unnatural), and concerns, many are created with specific consumers and their needs in mind. —Lily Wohlner, Allure, 26 Nov. 2025

While the technology is presented as a tool to preserve memories and help people process grief, critics called it immoral and unnatural, saying that simulating the dead risks distorting their memory or interfering with the grieving process. —Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Nov. 2025

Bright, unnatural colors like yellow are banned. —Tiffany Acosta, AZCentral.com, 6 Nov. 2025

For thousands of years, men in power have been responsible for catastrophe after genocide after unnatural disaster. —Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 5 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing unnatural

• unnatural causes

Rhymes for unnatural

• natural
• preternatural
• supernatural

Kids Definition

unnatural

adjective

un·​nat·​u·​ral ˌən-ˈnach-(ə-)rəl 

ˈən-

1

: not following nature or a normal course of events

2

a

: not being in agreement with normal feelings or behavior

b

: lacking ease and naturalness

unnaturally

-ˈnach-(ə-)rə-lē 

-ˈnach-ər-lē

adverb

unnaturalness

-ˈnach-(ə-)rəl-nəs 

noun