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
d
: extraordinary sense 1, remarkable
a scholar of unusual ability
unusually
adverb
unusualness
noun
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
Patel's use of a security detail for Wilkins is unusual, MS NOW reported, noting that partners of high-ranking FBI officials typically only received security protection during joint travels in the past.
—
Greta Bjornson, PEOPLE, 6 Dec. 2025
Beyond drawing a new map, House Bill 1032 also takes the unusual step of prohibiting courts from temporarily blocking the map should lawsuits surface, as anticipated.
—Kayla Dwyer, IndyStar, 6 Dec. 2025
Scoring 36 on the dot is far more unusual; it’s taken place only 155 times in NFL history and just once so far this year.
—Josh Levin, The Atlantic, 5 Dec. 2025
Rotunno said the dynamic is highly unusual and may be driving the tight-lipped posture of federal authorities.
—Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, FOXNews.com, 5 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unusual
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Greta Bjornson, PEOPLE, 6 Dec. 2025
Beyond drawing a new map, House Bill 1032 also takes the unusual step of prohibiting courts from temporarily blocking the map should lawsuits surface, as anticipated.
—Kayla Dwyer, IndyStar, 6 Dec. 2025
Scoring 36 on the dot is far more unusual; it’s taken place only 155 times in NFL history and just once so far this year.
—Josh Levin, The Atlantic, 5 Dec. 2025
Rotunno said the dynamic is highly unusual and may be driving the tight-lipped posture of federal authorities.
—Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, FOXNews.com, 5 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unusual
Cite this Entry
“Unusual.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unusual. Accessed 7 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
unusual
adjective
un·usu·al
ˌən-ˈyüzh-(ə-)wəl
-ˈyü-zhəl
unusually
adverb
-ē
unusualness
noun
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