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

At the core of this setup is a modular driving unit designed to support advanced maneuvering functions, including precise low-speed movement and unconventional steering angles. —Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 13 Dec. 2025

While no Republican has won statewide office in Minnesota since 2006, the state’s voters have a history of making unconventional choices. —Steve Karnowski, Fortune, 11 Dec. 2025

No Republican has won statewide office in Minnesota since 2006, yet voters have a history of backing unconventional candidates. —Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2025

Adhesive covers and sticky bras offer coverage and light support under clingy or semi-sheer fabrics, while boob tape takes it even further, providing lift, shape, and support for plunging necklines and unconventional cuts. —Malia Griggs, Glamour, 10 Dec. 2025

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