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

Since arriving at the zoo, the buffalo has attracted large crowds and sparked debate over its unusual nickname. —Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 4 June 2026

Belgrade, Serbia — a chaotic, layered capital split by the Sava River, where daily markets and traditional Kafana cafes anchor one of the most unusual cultural scenes in Europe. —Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 3 June 2026

At one point, moderators even allowed Jones to direct questions toward Jackson's empty podium — an unusual debate moment that Malsin described as both risky and effective television. —Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 3 June 2026

Such a large storm is unusual, Dorst said, but not unheard of in modern times. —Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 3 June 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