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

Barr’s unconventional campaign, meant to make an argument against gerrymandering producing deeply partisan districts, made national headlines. —Mary Ramsey, Charlotte Observer, 8 Nov. 2025

His views of their unconventional garments are painterly and romantic—expressionist evocations rather than detailed transcriptions of the clothes. —Vince Aletti, New Yorker, 8 Nov. 2025

The San Diego Padres hired former reliever Craig Stammen to be their new manager in an unconventional move. —Ryan Canfield, FOXNews.com, 7 Nov. 2025

Films has built a brand on inclusive, unconventional narratives — proving that creativity rooted in authenticity drives both acclaim and profitability. —Kimberly S. Reed, Rolling Stone, 7 Nov. 2025

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