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

Labrum presented a global outlook with block-print denim suits and dark wash denim coordinates embellished with oversized brooches and unconventional hardware. —Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 3 Mar. 2026

Here is a quick glimpse at who could stay and who could go as Verbeek, a wild card among GMs who favors the unconventional, assesses his group ahead of the deadline. —Andrew Knoll, Oc Register, 3 Mar. 2026

The production was unconventional and riddled with obstacles, but much like Doyle breathlessly sprinting up a flight of stairs, the filmmakers pushed forward. —Paul Fitzgerald, Rolling Stone, 3 Mar. 2026

The former secret service agent talks about his unconventional path to parenthood, and his new children's book. —​wendy Wisner, Parents, 3 Mar. 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