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 Cubs will need more performances like Thielbar’s over the next week or so from potentially unconventional options in key moments because of injuries that have challenged the bullpen’s depth. —Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 15 Apr. 2026

Even at the top of the career ladder, being intentional about focus becomes more important than ever, the 61-year-old said—and his own approach is notably unconventional. —Preston Fore, Fortune, 14 Apr. 2026

Mercury highlights your 4th House of Home and sextiles unconventional Uranus in your 6th House of Daily Routine, creating momentum for practical adjustments. —Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 14 Apr. 2026

Coverage at Interesting Engineering spans emerging technologies, novel manufacturing methods, and unconventional approaches to long-standing problems. —Interesting Engineering, 14 Apr. 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