unusual

adjective

un·​usu·​al ˌən-ˈyü-zhə-wəl 

-zhəl;

-ˈyüzh-wəl

: not usual: as

a

: not normal or typical

It's unusual for him to work this late.

b

: different or strange in a way that attracts attention

an unusual design

c

: uncommon, rare

saw an unusual flower while hiking

d

: extraordinary sense 1, remarkable

a scholar of unusual ability

unusually adverb

unusualness noun

Synonyms of unusual

• uncommon
• strange
• funny
• weird
• rare
• extraordinary

Examples of unusual in a Sentence

It's not unusual for him to stay late at work.

a scene of unusual beauty

She has an unusual name.

Recent Examples on the Web

An unusual move by head coach Tony Popovic to seize an edge ahead of the spot-kicks. — Chris Evans, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026

But there are unusual rewards for an intrepid company willing to test the boundaries of political and artistic morality. — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026

The society occupied an unusual position within the Catholic Church ever since. — Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 6 July 2026

Thanks to the World Cup being in Kansas City, the Royals-Phillies series wrapped up Monday, which is an unusual getaway day in baseball. — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 7 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1579, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing unusual

• cruel and unusual punishment

Rhymes for unusual

• accrual
• nonfuel
• refuel
• renewal
• biofuel
• contextual
• nonrenewal
• nonsexual
• cruel
• dual
• duel
• fuel

Kids Definition

unusual

adjective

un·​usu·​al ˌən-ˈyüzh-(ə-)wəl 

-ˈyü-zhəl

: not usual : uncommon, rare

unusually

-ē

adverb

unusualness noun