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

Alton Brown's unconventional approach calls for mayonnaise and extra egg yolks. — Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2026

The military veteran and former tech executive’s unconventional bid to unseat Risch came with teeth. — Sarah Cutler, Idaho Statesman, 23 Oct. 2026

Beverly Hills, California Before the mega-mansions and multimillion-dollar marital homes, Affleck owned an unconventional Beverly Hills compound. — Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 23 Oct. 2026

Smith also wants to impress upon young people that his journey has been unconventional, and success has come without a fancy college degree or a family able to bankroll him. — Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 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