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

Today's top stories Republicans will hold an unconventional midterm convention this week in Dallas. — Brittney Melton, NPR, 8 Sep. 2026

The volunteer-run group is pursuing an unconventional Airship to Orbit plan that could use lighter-than-air vehicles to reach space. — Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 7 Sep. 2026

Skeptics warn that fast-tracking unconventional technology through safety reviews is an unwise risk. — Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 6 Sep. 2026

Inspired by the unconventional materials and craftsmanship of studio jewelry, the couple fell in love with art jewelry as collectible material culture. — Livia Caligor, Vogue, 4 Sep. 2026

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