unusual

1 of 2

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

unusualness

2 of 2

noun

un·​usu·​al·​ness

: the quality or state of being unusual

Synonyms of unusual

Adjective

• uncommon
• strange
• funny
• weird
• rare
• extraordinary

Examples of unusual in a Sentence

Adjective

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

Adjective

The Athletic visited The Cardinal last week, and the build-out for the event — including grandstands and other infrastructure — had not yet begun, which would be highly unusual for a golf tournament less than a month out. — Gabby Herzig, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026

Miller took the unusual step of calling for a House Ethics Committee investigation into himself on Tuesday as pressure has mounted on the future of his political career. — Lauren Green, The Washington Examiner, 4 Aug. 2026

But blessed with unusual wit and sensitivity, as well as a delightful young cast, the Amazon drama nevertheless stands out as something special. — Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 4 Aug. 2026

For that reason alone the siblings were unusual in knowing so little about each other despite living under the same roof. — Cynthia Zarin, Harpers Magazine, 4 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

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