unusual

adjective

un·​usu·​al ˌən-ˈyü-zhə-wəl 

-zhəl;

-ˈyüzh-wəl

: not usual: as

a

: not normal or typical

It's unusual for him to work this late.

b

: different or strange in a way that attracts attention

an unusual design

c

: uncommon, rare

saw an unusual flower while hiking

d

: extraordinary sense 1, remarkable

a scholar of unusual ability

unusually adverb

unusualness noun

Synonyms of unusual

• uncommon
• strange
• funny
• weird
• rare
• extraordinary

Examples of unusual in a Sentence

It's not unusual for him to stay late at work.

a scene of unusual beauty

She has an unusual name.

Recent Examples on the Web

In the past few seasons, the German stallion has lit up the world of show jumping with his powerful jumps, striking presence and unusual bloodline. — Danielle Rossingh, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026

On the same street, at number 27, Vila Clara Ceramistes has beautiful, unusual tones and marbling. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Sep. 2026

From south to north, dew points and atmospheric moisture will rise in tandem, brining unusual humidity to nearly the entire California coast. — Sean MacAday, Sacbee.com, 8 Sep. 2026

Human approval should therefore be required when an agent crosses boundaries involving duration, jurisdiction, new vendors, changes to bank details, data disclosure, unusual payment terms or cumulative exposure. — Maxim Olkhovskiy, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1579, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing unusual

• cruel and unusual punishment

Rhymes for unusual

• accrual
• nonfuel
• refuel
• renewal
• biofuel
• contextual
• nonrenewal
• nonsexual
• cruel
• dual
• duel
• fuel

Kids Definition

unusual

adjective

un·​usu·​al ˌən-ˈyüzh-(ə-)wəl 

-ˈyü-zhəl

: not usual : uncommon, rare

unusually

-ē

adverb

unusualness noun