adjective
Uncommon
unorthodox
uhn-AW-thuh-doks
Unorthodox (adjective) means departing from what is usual, accepted, or expected. Example: “The coach's unorthodox training methods raised eyebrows, but the team kept winning.”
adjective
1
Departing from what is usual, accepted, or expected.
"The coach's unorthodox training methods raised eyebrows, but the team kept winning."
"She took an unorthodox route into medicine, starting out as a chef."
How to use unorthodox
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDoing things differently from the standard or expected way.
Common pairings
unorthodox approach
unorthodox method
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like unorthodox.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Comparative
- more unorthodox
- Superlative
- most unorthodox
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The coach's _____ training methods raised eyebrows, but the team kept winning.
Etymology
From un- + orthodox.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for unorthodox
See all rhymes for unorthodox →Frequently asked questions
What does “unorthodox” mean?
The word “unorthodox” means departing from what is usual, accepted, or expected. In plain terms, doing things differently from the standard or expected way.
How do you pronounce “unorthodox”?
“Unorthodox” is pronounced uhn-AW-thuh-doks (/ʌnˈɔɹθədɑks/ in IPA).
How do you use “unorthodox” in a sentence?
Here is “unorthodox” used in a sentence: “The coach's unorthodox training methods raised eyebrows, but the team kept winning.”
What is the opposite of “unorthodox”?
The opposite of “unorthodox” — its antonyms — are conventional, expected, halal, kosher and orthodox.
What part of speech is “unorthodox”?
“Unorthodox” is an adjective.
Is “unorthodox” a common word?
“Unorthodox” is an uncommon word in modern English.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include unorthodox:
