unnatural
uhn-NACH-ruhl
Unnatural (adjective) means not occurring naturally, or not in keeping with what is normal or expected. Example: “There was something unnatural about the stillness of the forest that morning.”
adjective
1
Not occurring naturally, or not in keeping with what is normal or expected.
"There was something unnatural about the stillness of the forest that morning."
"Critics called the actor's accent stiff and unnatural."
2
Going against accepted moral or natural standards; perverse.
"The villagers whispered that the killings were the work of something unnatural."
How to use unnatural
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishNot the way things normally are, or not the way nature intended.
Common pairings
unnatural silence
unnatural causes
seem unnatural
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Word forms
- Plural
- unnaturals
- Comparative
- more unnatural
- Superlative
- most unnatural
Fill the gap
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There was something _____ about the stillness of the forest that morning.
Etymology
From Middle English unnatural, built from un- + natural.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for unnatural
rural
mural
plural
neural
natural
cultural
epidural
subdural
guttural
inaugural
structural
procedural
See all rhymes for unnatural →
Frequently asked questions
What does “unnatural” mean?
The word “unnatural” means not occurring naturally, or not in keeping with what is normal or expected. In plain terms, not the way things normally are, or not the way nature intended.
How do you pronounce “unnatural”?
“Unnatural” is pronounced uhn-NACH-ruhl (/ʌnˈnæt͡ʃ.(ə.)ɹəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “unnatural” in a sentence?
Here is “unnatural” used in a sentence: “There was something unnatural about the stillness of the forest that morning.”
What is another word for “unnatural”?
Words with a similar meaning to “unnatural” include contranatural.
What is the opposite of “unnatural”?
The opposite of “unnatural” — its antonyms — is natural.
What part of speech is “unnatural”?
“Unnatural” is an adjective.
Where does the word “unnatural” come from?
The word “unnatural” comes from Middle English. From Middle English unnatural, built from un- + natural.
Is “unnatural” a common word?
“Unnatural” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
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