unconventional

adjective

un·​con·​ven·​tion·​al
ˌən-kən-ˈven(t)-sh(ə-)nəl
 How to pronounce unconventional (audio)
: not conventional : not bound by or in accordance with convention : being out of the ordinary
an unconventional outfit
an unconventional thinker
unconventionally adverb

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Demand for cultural commentary is higher than it’s ever been—but now that commentary is coming from unconventional new sources. Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 17 Oct. 2025 The shift to streaming is unconventional, especially with a full-season rights package. Luke Smith, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025 Others in the comments tried to explain Keltner’s unconventional drink. Korin Miller, SELF, 17 Oct. 2025 Cartuna, founded by James and Adam Belfer, champions unconventional voices in animation, producing and distributing projects that push the boundaries of form, tone and technology. Carole Horst, Variety, 14 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for unconventional

Word History

First Known Use

1835, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unconventional was in 1835

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unconventional.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unconventional. Accessed 20 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

unconventional

adjective
un·​con·​ven·​tion·​al ˌən-kən-ˈvench-nəl How to pronounce unconventional (audio)
-ən-ᵊl
: not conventional : not bound by or in agreement with convention
unconventional behavior
unconventionality noun
unconventionally
-ˈvench-nə-lē
-ən-ᵊl-ē
adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on unconventional

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!