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

Still, the result provides an unusual real-world data point for an electric vehicle subjected to a year-plus of international driving. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 19 Sep. 2026

The timing of the payments corresponded with unusual shifts in Netanyahu’s policies. — Ruth Margalit, New Yorker, 19 Sep. 2026

But at the summit, Xi will be joined by his wife, Peng Liyuan, who has spent more than a decade accompanying him on diplomatic trips and cultivating a public role that is unusual for a leader’s wife in China. — Rena Rowe, The Washington Examiner, 19 Sep. 2026

What unites these seemingly disparate topics is Wilson’s knack for putting himself into scenarios with unusual people that lead him into unexpected territory—a lesson in the virtues of simple observation. — Alex Jhamb Burns, Vogue, 19 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