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

Finding more examples like GJ 523b could help reveal whether these unusual worlds are rare exceptions or part of a broader population. — Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 19 Aug. 2026

Police said there has been some crime in the neighborhood in the past, but a shooting like this is unusual. — Ryan Hughes, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026

Its return journey is a mirror image of the outbound one, hence the coaster's unusual name. — Caroline Reid, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026

The unusual nature of the case has attracted national attention and debate. — Aj Willingham, AJC.com, 18 Aug. 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