unconventional

adjective

un·​con·​ven·​tion·​al
ˌən-kən-ˈven(t)-sh(ə-)nəl
 How to pronounce unconventional (audio)
: not conventional : not bound by or in accordance with convention : being out of the ordinary
an unconventional outfit
an unconventional thinker
unconventionally adverb

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Across sports and eras, there are too many examples of athletes with ‘unconventional’ form succeeding for ‘good form’ — whatever that is — to be truly necessary. Liam Tharme, The Athletic, 23 Mar. 2025 Barnes had an unconventional approach to art collecting, particularly through his focus on juxtaposing fine art with decorative pieces. Meredith Wolf Schizer, Newsweek, 19 Mar. 2025 The fund will support research that is often deemed too early, risky or unconventional for traditional grant funding. Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Mar. 2025 Zach is fearless in trying new things and exploring unconventional approaches, never shying away from playing ‘ugly,’ old, or unlikable characters. Heide Janssen, Orange County Register, 16 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for unconventional

Word History

First Known Use

1835, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unconventional was in 1835

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unconventional.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unconventional. Accessed 1 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

unconventional

adjective
un·​con·​ven·​tion·​al ˌən-kən-ˈvench-nəl How to pronounce unconventional (audio)
-ən-ᵊl
: not conventional : not bound by or in agreement with convention
unconventional behavior
unconventionality noun
unconventionally
-ˈvench-nə-lē
-ən-ᵊl-ē
adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on unconventional

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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