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 Months later, he was drafted into the NFL, albeit an unconventional path to victory — and then a misstep with an arrest and prolonged absence from his pro team (via The Sporting News). Greta Bjornson, Peoplemag, 24 Mar. 2024 But as the minimal supply stock ran dry, Fahs had to turn to unconventional treatment methods in a dire situation. Detroit Free Press, 23 Mar. 2024 Heading to the aft, the unconventional deck arrangement creates pockets of space on different levels for specific functional needs. Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 22 Mar. 2024 Though unconventional, these dynamics aren't inherently unhealthy. Naledi Ushe, USA TODAY, 21 Mar. 2024 At the Aspen event, Nooyi shared an unconventional tip for coping with the guilt of not being able to dedicate more time to her home life. Jasmine Li, Fortune, 18 Mar. 2024 While Mulier’s unconventional details add a touch of eccentricity to Kaia Gerber’s usual minimalist aesthetic, the overall sleekness of the designs resonates well with her personal style. Alex Kessler, Vogue, 15 Mar. 2024 Through this unconventional investigative method, Dietrich-Nance elicited a description of a suspect and vehicle from Sapaugh. Claire Lempert, ABC News, 15 Mar. 2024 Wilson sets her gaze on the private lives of seven unconventional healers and creative types searching for solace and struggling to make dreams come true in a city of eight million people. Leo Barraclough, Variety, 14 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'unconventional.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1835, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unconventional was in 1835

Dictionary Entries Near unconventional

Cite this Entry

“Unconventional.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unconventional. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

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

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