unconventional

un·con·ven·tion·al | \ ˌən-kən-ˈvench-nəl

How to pronounce unconventional (audio)

, -ˈven(t)-shə-nᵊl \

Definition of unconventional

: not conventional : not bound by or in accordance with convention : being out of the ordinary an unconventional outfit an unconventional thinker

Other Words from unconventional Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about unconventional

Keep scrolling for more

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 Pitching coach Derek Johnson says the team will take an unconventional approach to roles given the 60-game season. — John Fay, The Enquirer, "Cincinnati Reds right-hander Castillo says he's good for 6, 7 innings right now," 4 July 2020 His unconventional approach involves covert ops like posing as a patron and devoting three days of surveillance with hidden cameras to shed light on why a restaurant is struggling. — Kathy Passero, cleveland, "‘Undercover Chef’ on Food Network | How to watch, time, streaming info," 2 July 2020 However, the referendum -- intended to consolidate his hold on power -- could end up undermining his position because of the unconventional methods used to boost participation and the dubious legal basis for the balloting. — Fox News, "Putin nears goal of changing Russian constitution, letting him stay in power until 2036," 30 June 2020 Kapler said the rotation will be unconventional even with Johnny Cueto, Jeff Samardzija, Kevin Gausman and Drew Smyly getting starts. — John Shea, SFChronicle.com, "Outlook for Giants’ Gabe Kapler, Farhan Zaidi: We’re starting in a pennant race," 30 June 2020 The oil and gas company was a leader in the fracking boom, using unconventional techniques to extract oil and gas from the ground, a method that has come under scrutiny because of its environmental impact. — BostonGlobe.com, "Stories you may have missed from the world of business," 29 June 2020 Not-so-well-known, the biotech firm Moderna touted promising early results for its vaccine, which uses an unconventional new approach to creating immunity. — CBS News, "The race to find a COVID-19 vaccine," 28 June 2020 The oil and gas company was a leader in the fracking boom, using unconventional techniques to extract oil and gas from the ground, a method that has come under scrutiny because of its environmental impact. — Washington Post, "Fracking pioneer Chesapeake files for bankruptcy protection," 28 June 2020 The oil and gas company was a leader in the fracking boom, using unconventional techniques to extract oil and gas from the ground, a method that has come under scrutiny because of its environmental impact. — Cathy Bussewitz And Rali Arbel, USA TODAY, "Fracking pioneer Chesapeake Energy files for bankruptcy protection," 28 June 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'unconventional.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about unconventional

Dictionary Entries near unconventional

uncontroversial

uncontrovertible

unconventionalism

Statistics for unconventional

Last Updated

11 Jul 2020

Cite this Entry

“Unconventional.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unconventional. Accessed 13 Jul. 2020.

Keep scrolling for more

Keep scrolling for more

WORD OF THE DAY

parsimonious

See Definitions and Examples »

Test Your Vocabulary

Words for Summer: A Quiz

Which of the following words means “of or relating to summer”?

Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.