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

Whether LeBron James or Kobe Bryant in the NBA, or Aaron Rodgers in the NFL, this sort of friction is far less unusual in the United States. — Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 14 July 2026

Astronomers had long suspected this unusual structure traced energetic electrons escaping along the Milky Way's magnetic field. — Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 14 July 2026

Trump on July 6 asked the justices to take the unusual step of reconsidering their rejection of his appeal. — Bloomberg, Mercury News, 14 July 2026

The series is looking for Texans who are currently dealing with ongoing disputes or unusual relationships with their neighbors. — Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 July 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