unconventional

adjective

un·​con·​ven·​tion·​al

ˌən-kən-ˈven(t)-sh(ə-)nəl

 

: not conventional : not bound by or in accordance with convention : being out of the ordinary

an unconventional outfit

an unconventional thinker

unconventionality

ˌən-kən-ˌven(t)-shə-ˈna-lə-tē 

noun

unconventionally adverb

Synonyms

• dissentient
• dissenting
• dissident
• heretical
• heretic
• heterodox
• iconoclastic
• maverick
• nonconformist
• nonorthodox
• out-there
• unorthodox

Examples of unconventional in a Sentence

Her lifestyle is rather unconventional.

the Shakers acquired their name because of their unconventional practice of dancing with shaking movements during worship

Recent Examples on the Web

Hualalai is far from the only hotel that has adjusted its spa hours to match its guests’ unconventional schedules. —Juliet Izon, Travel + Leisure, 5 June 2024

After years of fans asking for Hot City, in quite an unconventional pop star move, the dancefloor-ready album finally dropped on May 31. —Jack Irvin, Peoplemag, 1 June 2024

Though from an unconventional source, the influx of tips from Swifties wasn’t random, Risher believed. —Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 31 May 2024

From the moment Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg announced charges against Trump more than one year ago, people doubted his unconventional strategy. —Tessa Berenson Rogers, TIME, 30 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1835, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

unconventional

adjective

un·​con·​ven·​tion·​al ˌən-kən-ˈvench-nəl 

-ən-ᵊl

: not conventional : not bound by or in agreement with convention

unconventional behavior

unconventionality

-ˌven-chə-ˈnal-ət-ē 

noun

unconventionally

-ˈvench-nə-lē

-ən-ᵊl-ē

adverb