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

The rock band, known for its unconventional costumes and intentionally offensive lyrics, was nominated for two Grammys, one in 1993 for Best Long Form Music Video and another in 1996 for Best Metal Performance. — Tanya Fedak, Variety, 26 Sep. 2026

Every executive understands the career risk of making an unconventional decision. — George Achilleos, Forbes.com, 25 Sep. 2026

The film, a touching adaptation of an 1852 Turgenev short story of the same name, features an unconventional cast directed by a seasoned documentarian. — James Folta, Literary Hub, 23 Sep. 2026

That encounter launched an unconventional business partnership between Rovell and the NBA legend. — Alejandro Avila Outkick, FOXNews.com, 23 Sep. 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