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

Ken Heinz Hedge Fund Research That breakdown in traditional relationships reflects the unusual nature of the current shock, said industry veterans. —Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 18 Mar. 2026

What makes this heatwave so unusual and dangerous, forecasters say, is not just the level of heat, but also the timing. —Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 17 Mar. 2026

The unusual chill isn’t over quite yet for Dallas-Fort Worth, with freezing temperatures possible Tuesday morning. —Julia James, Dallas Morning News, 17 Mar. 2026

What makes Hamlin’s position in NASCAR so unusual is the combination of longevity and production. —Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 17 Mar. 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