unnatural

adjective

un·​nat·​u·​ral ˌən-ˈna-chə-rəl 

-ˈnach-rəl

1

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

2

a

: 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

unnaturally

ˌən-ˈna-chə-rə-lē 

-ˈnach-rə-

-ˈna-chər-

adverb

unnaturalness

ˌən-ˈna-chə-rəl-nəs 

-ˈnach-rəl-

noun

Synonyms

• abnormal

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

Because the bear started seeking out an unnatural food source, it was euthanized for safety reasons, officials said. —Helena Wegner, Idaho Statesman, 27 June 2025

For too long, sunscreen hasn’t worked for melanin-rich skin—leaving behind white casts, greasy residue, or an unnatural gray tint. —Essence, 24 June 2025

There is nothing deficient, unnatural or pitiful about being single, as we’re often led to believe. —Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025

And as Tertullian might have added, any Catholic who needs a scientific explanation for unnatural events is lacking faith anyway. —Harpers Magazine, 18 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing unnatural

• unnatural causes

Rhymes for unnatural

• natural
• preternatural
• supernatural

Kids Definition

unnatural

adjective

un·​nat·​u·​ral ˌən-ˈnach-(ə-)rəl 

ˈən-

1

: not following nature or a normal course of events

2

a

: not being in agreement with normal feelings or behavior

b

: lacking ease and naturalness

unnaturally

-ˈnach-(ə-)rə-lē 

-ˈnach-ər-lē

adverb

unnaturalness

-ˈnach-(ə-)rəl-nəs 

noun