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

This prevents Adams from showing the disarming quality that Helena Bonham Carter brought to the eccentric mother figure in the 2010 Toast, an unconventional comic biography of chef Nigel Slater’s maternal fixation. —Armond White, National Review, 13 Dec. 2024

Firefighters in Norwalk, Connecticut rescued a familiar yet unconventional character after Santa Claus got stuck 60 feet above ground. —Fernando Cervantes Jr., USA TODAY, 12 Dec. 2024

In the intellectually savvy sign of Aquarius, the love planet thrives when embracing individuality, unconventional beauty and forward-thinking ideals. —Valerie Mesa, People.com, 12 Dec. 2024

An environmental lawyer with no medical or public health training, Kennedy is an unconventional pick to lead the vast agency, which comprises the Food and Drug Administration, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institutes of Health, and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. —Emily Mullin, WIRED, 12 Dec. 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