unusual
uhn-YOO-zhuhl
Unusual (adjective) means not usual or ordinary; out of the norm. Example: “It's unusual for him to be late.”
adjective
1
Not usual or ordinary; out of the norm.
"Every once in a while, though, Idol comes across an unusual talent who just blows everyone away."
"It’s definitely not unusual for a couple to meet through friends or be set up on a date."
"It's unusual for him to be late."
"They noticed an unusual smell coming from the basement."
"It is quite unusual to see snow here so early in the autumn."
"His behavior was unusual in that it was considered childish for a man of his age."
How to use unusual
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDifferent from what normally happens or is expected.
Common pairings
unusual for
highly unusual
nothing unusual
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Word forms
- Plural
- unusuals
- Comparative
- more unusual
- Superlative
- most unusual
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
It's _____ for him to be late.
Etymology
From un- (\"not\") plus usual.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for unusual
See all rhymes for unusual →Frequently asked questions
What does “unusual” mean?
The word “unusual” means not usual or ordinary; out of the norm. In plain terms, different from what normally happens or is expected.
How do you pronounce “unusual”?
“Unusual” is pronounced uhn-YOO-zhuhl (/ʌnˈjuːʒ(u)əl/ in IPA).
How do you use “unusual” in a sentence?
Here is “unusual” used in a sentence: “It's unusual for him to be late.”
What part of speech is “unusual”?
“Unusual” is an adjective.
Is “unusual” a common word?
“Unusual” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
What is the difference between unusual and rare?
Unusual means out of the ordinary or unexpected, but it can still happen fairly often. Rare stresses how seldom something occurs, emphasising scarcity in number or frequency. An unusual choice is simply uncommon or surprising, whereas a rare item is one you almost never come across.
What is the difference between unusual and unique?
Unusual means uncommon or out of the norm, but other similar cases can still exist. Unique means one of a kind, with nothing else quite like it. Something unusual stands out from the crowd; something unique has no equal. Strictly, unique should not be described as 'very.'
Is 'unusual' a positive or negative word?
It is neutral on its own and simply means not ordinary. Context and tone decide whether it feels positive or negative. 'An unusual talent' sounds like praise, while 'unusual behaviour' can hint at concern. The same word can flatter or worry depending on what it describes.
What is the opposite of unusual?
The most common opposites are 'usual,' 'ordinary,' and 'common,' all describing something normal and expected. 'Typical' and 'everyday' work too. Where unusual points to what stands out or surprises, these words point to what happens routinely and blends in without drawing attention.
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