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

These could include intense earthquake swarms, rapid ground deformation, changing gas emissions, and unusual heat flow. — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 12 Aug. 2026

An unusual drug case is unfolding in eastern North Carolina, involving a 69-year-old suspect who is the sheriff’s brother – and his next door neighbor in Edenton. — Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 11 Aug. 2026

The Maumelle High student felt unusual movement inside his headgear following warmups last week and brought his helmet to an assistant coach for inspection. — CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026

The 2-foot-long snake had found its way under the padding of the helmet Thursday, staying hidden until the student noticed an unusual movement in the headpiece. — Sophie Ziedalski, NBC news, 11 Aug. 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