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

These early pages, which focus on Orzabal’s unconventional upbringing, paint captivating scenes of family life, with his parents, Georges and Margaret, emerging as vivid, complicated characters. — Lily Moayeri, SPIN, 4 Aug. 2026

In a 2023 appearance on the podcast Lipstick on the Rim, Cameron Diaz spoke out in favor of unconventional living arrangements. — Louis Peitzman, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Aug. 2026

This movie has a very unconventional structure with respect to the villain. — Chris Lee, Vulture, 3 Aug. 2026

Episkopos noted that Kyiv has increasingly used unconventional tactics to offset Russia's superiority in conventional manpower and firepower. — Emma Bussey, FOXNews.com, 3 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