unnatural

un·nat·u·ral | \ ˌən-ˈna-chə-rəl

How to pronounce unnatural (audio)

, -ˈnach-rəl \

Definition of unnatural

1 : not being in accordance with nature or consistent with a normal course of events

2a : not being in accordance with normal human feelings or behavior : perverse

b : lacking ease and naturalness : contrived her manner was forced and unnatural

c : inconsistent with what is reasonable or expected an unnatural alliance

Other Words from unnatural Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym Example Sentences Learn More about unnatural

Keep scrolling for more

Choose the Right Synonym for unnatural

irregular, anomalous, unnatural mean not conforming to rule, law, or custom. irregular implies not conforming to a law or regulation imposed for the sake of uniformity in method, practice, or conduct. concerned about his irregular behavior anomalous implies not conforming to what might be expected because of the class or type to which it belongs or the laws that govern its existence. her drive made her an anomalous figure in a sleepy organization unnatural suggests what is contrary to nature or to principles or standards felt to be essential to the well-being of civilized society. prisoners treated with unnatural cruelty

Examples of unnatural in a Sentence

It seems unnatural to keep the bird in a cage. She has an unnatural obsession with money. Her smile looked forced and unnatural.

Recent Examples on the Web Those are good for allowing wearers to hear their environments, but the sound can be tinny and unnatural. — Popular Science, "Bose built a new kind of workout earbud to keep you safe while you sweat," 5 Jan. 2021 However unnatural, the florals brim with vivid life. — Los Angeles Times, "Roland Reiss dies at 91, leaving a 60-year legacy as L.A. artist and educator," 31 Dec. 2020 Holding his head in the same position for so long is unnatural, just plain wrong. — Author: Hannah Natanson, Laura Meckler, Anchorage Daily News, "Remote school is leaving children sad and angry," 27 Nov. 2020 Surfers in the area have also complained that the sea had an unnatural smell and color. — NBC News, "Investigators probe 'possible ecological catastrophe' in Russia's Kamchatka region," 4 Oct. 2020 The world of Boletaria, where Demon's Souls takes place, is an unnatural place, with monsters, people, and settings that just look a bit wrong. — Julie Muncy, Wired, "The New Demon's Souls Remake Tries Too Hard to Be Realistic," 24 Nov. 2020 In Hong Kong, a haunted house is where an unnatural death occurred. — Andrew Stuttaford, National Review, "The Capital Note: Blue Waving (or Drowning?)," 27 Oct. 2020 But its onset is a milestone for the canal, which earned the nickname Lavender Lake for its unnatural hue. — Mihir Zaveri, New York Times, "Getting ‘Black Mayonnaise’ Out of One of America’s Dirtiest Waterways," 19 Nov. 2020 Sports were as natural to me as speaking was unnatural. — Scott Gleeson, USA TODAY, "Deep roots exist between Joe Biden, Kamala Harris and the world of sports," 8 Nov. 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'unnatural.' 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 unnatural

Dictionary Entries near unnatural

unnatural causes

Statistics for unnatural

Last Updated

14 Jan 2021

Cite this Entry

“Unnatural.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unnatural. Accessed 21 Jan. 2021.

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for unnatural

unnatural

adjective

English Language Learners Definition of unnatural

: different from how things usually are in the physical world or in nature

: different from what is normal in a way that is seen as wrong, disturbing, etc.

: not real

See the full definition for unnatural in the English Language Learners Dictionary

unnatural

un·nat·u·ral | \ ˌən-ˈna-chə-rəl

, -ˈnach-rəl \

Kids Definition of unnatural

1 : different from what is found in nature or happens naturally

2 : different from what is usually considered normal behavior

3 : not genuine an unnatural smile

Keep scrolling for more

WORD OF THE DAY

exact

Listen to the pronunciation of exact

See Definitions and Examples »

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

Slippery Words Quiz—Changing with the Times

What is an earlier meaning of nice?

Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.

Anagram puzzles meet word search.