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

Goodall has become the dominant force in ring building in the UK, working for almost every conceivable promoter — unusual in itself given this is a sport built on such fierce sporting and commercial rivalries. — Chris McKenna, New York Times, 22 July 2026

The painstaking restoration is part of an unusual public science project. — ABC News, 22 July 2026

No match was added in Detroit, which is unusual for a Raw twelve days out from a two-night stadium show. — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026

Jamf also found that the disk image itself had been signed, which researchers called unusual for malicious Mac delivery. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 21 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