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

It seemed unnatural to keep the bird in a cage.

2

a

: not being in accordance with normal human feelings or behavior

an unnatural devotion to money

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 of unnatural

• 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

His speech was an unnatural blur. — Paige Williams, New Yorker, 22 June 2026

The problem is, mainstream science and society have been slow to move away from the narrative that all animals copulate only for reproduction, any same-sex activity is purely anomalous (and unnatural), and every species is male-dominated. — Rachel Brodsky, Rolling Stone, 20 June 2026

Learning that these behaviors not only exist, but are prevalent in the animal kingdom, Page says, helps debunk what remains a widespread belief among certain humans that homosexuality and transgenderism are unnatural and aberrant. — Mike Miller, Entertainment Weekly, 19 June 2026

While there are certain products that can be used across different hair textures, lengths, curl patterns, thicknesses, colors (natural and unnatural), and needs, hair products are often created with specific consumers in mind. — Jailynn Taylor, Allure, 13 June 2026

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