unconventional

1 of 2

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

unconventionality

2 of 2

noun

un·​conventionality "+ 

: the quality or state of being unconventional

Synonyms of unconventional

Adjective

• dissident
• dissenting
• out-there

Examples of unconventional in a Sentence

Adjective

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

Adjective

Kimmel also just launched an unconventional — if not daring — Emmy campaign of his own. — Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026

Boyle succeeds in making a thrilling, propulsive movie using his signature kinetic filmmaking style of quick cuts, unconventional camera angles, and a frantic pace. — Rebecca Ford, Vanity Fair, 25 Aug. 2026

Reilly works at the intersection of props and food, creating inventive and often unconventional culinary elements for the screen. — Erik Pedersen, Deadline, 25 Aug. 2026

Fox News Digital previously reported on another couple who recently chose an unconventional setting for their wedding. — Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 25 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

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