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

However, a warm and wet winter may encourage flowers to bloom earlier than unusual. —Bruce Whiting, Idaho Statesman, 7 Apr. 2026

Wildlife experts say that’s not unusual, as warmer weather and longer days bring peak snake activity across the state. —Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Apr. 2026

The guest book in our room was a remarkable document; visitors write at length and with unusual honesty. —Alexandra Genova, TheWeek, 7 Apr. 2026

But how Bhuva's name came to be listed on reimbursements for at least 2,800 patients across 126 California hospices in 2024 is a question that has puzzled advocates who have tracked the unusual explosion of hospice providers in Southern California in recent years. —Grace Manthey, CBS News, 7 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1579, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing unusual

• cruel and unusual punishment

Rhymes for unusual

• biofuel
• contextual
• nonrenewal
• nonsexual
• accrual
• nonfuel
• refuel
• renewal
• 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