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

Fed Chair Jerome Powell, a co-defendant in Cook’s case, has chosen to attend the oral arguments along with the Fed’s head lawyer, in what experts describe as an unusual show of support. —Bryan Mena, CNN Money, 21 Jan. 2026

No More Boom The Jabra Evolve3 Series is unusual because the two variants don’t have a boom microphone. —Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026

The asymmetrical aft is a clear standout, with a giant sun pad, a huge dining table, and an unusual angular pool flanked by two swim platforms. —Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 20 Jan. 2026

Recent history helps explain why the secretary general of the palace pushed back on Cangé’s unusual request. —Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 20 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1579, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing unusual

• cruel and unusual punishment

Rhymes for unusual

• biofuel
• contextual
• nonrenewal
• nonsexual
• accrual
• nonfuel
• refuel
• renewal
• 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