unusual

adjective

un·​usu·​al ˌən-ˈyü-zhə-wəl How to pronounce unusual (audio)
-zhəl;
-ˈyüzh-wəl
: not usual : uncommon, rare
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
OpenAI’s corporate structure is unusual. Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 12 Sep. 2025 Historical fashion reveals that garments made from whole animal skins—including heads, paws, and tails—were not unusual, according to The Genealogist. Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Sep. 2025 But this does just that, an unusual dynamic composition with unprecedented detail that doesn’t obscure the overall scene. Anthony Wood, Space.com, 12 Sep. 2025 Blues was a huge part of my background, which is not unusual. Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 12 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for unusual

Word History

First Known Use

1579, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unusual was in 1579

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Cite this Entry

“Unusual.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unusual. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

unusual

adjective
un·​usu·​al ˌən-ˈyüzh-(ə-)wəl How to pronounce unusual (audio)
-ˈyü-zhəl
: not usual : uncommon, rare
unusually
adverb
unusualness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on unusual

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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