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.
But his sponsor’s unconventional approach pulls Peter further off course and pushes him into a living hell that’ll take far more than 12 steps to escape. Zac Ntim, Deadline, 12 May 2025 Kennedy has drawn attention for his unconventional approaches to health and wellness, during his presidential campaign and in the months after joining the Trump administration. Dan Gooding gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 May 2025 Latour also suggests more unconventional pairings, such as enjoying a Pouilly-Fuissé white wine with sushi or a Pernand-Vergelesses red wine with a chicken sandwich for a surprising but delightful experience. Rachel King, Forbes.com, 11 May 2025 Souter was unconventional in other ways beyond his ideological independence. Nina Totenberg, NPR, 9 May 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 17 May. 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

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