unconventional

adjective

un·​con·​ven·​tion·​al ˌən-kən-ˈven(t)-sh(ə-)nəl 

: not conventional : not bound by or in accordance with convention : being out of the ordinary

an unconventional outfit

an unconventional thinker

unconventionality

ˌən-kən-ˌven(t)-shə-ˈna-lə-tē 

noun

unconventionally adverb

Synonyms of unconventional

• dissident
• dissenting
• out-there

Examples of unconventional in a Sentence

Her lifestyle is rather unconventional.

the Shakers acquired their name because of their unconventional practice of dancing with shaking movements during worship

Recent Examples on the Web

Evolving from the debut signature model, the CG2 features an unconventional mid-cut silhouette to shake things up. —Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 26 May 2026

The Ferrari Luce's cabin is unconventional Ferrari vehicles are known for stunning exterior designs and mind-blowing performance specs, not cabin space. —Charles Singh, USA Today, 26 May 2026

With a sprawling empire spanning electric vehicles, rockets, artificial intelligence, and social media, Elon Musk has built a reputation as one of the most influential—and unconventional business leaders of the modern era. —Preston Fore, Fortune, 23 May 2026

Not wanting to formally plan anything for his proposal, Foley decided to take an unconventional route. —Ashlyn Robinette, PEOPLE, 22 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1835, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for unconventional

• interventional
• nonconventional
• nondimensional
• unintentional
• attentional
• conventional
• dimensional
• extensional
• intensional
• intentional
• multidimensional
• unidimensional

Kids Definition

unconventional

adjective

un·​con·​ven·​tion·​al ˌən-kən-ˈvench-nəl 

-ən-ᵊl

: not conventional : not bound by or in agreement with convention

unconventional behavior

unconventionality

-ˌven-chə-ˈnal-ət-ē 

noun

unconventionally

-ˈvench-nə-lē, 

-ən-ᵊl-ē

adverb