unnatural

adjective

un·​nat·​u·​ral ˌən-ˈna-chə-rəl 

-ˈnach-rəl

1

: not being in accordance with nature or consistent with a normal course of events

2

a

: not being in accordance with normal human feelings or behavior : perverse

b

: lacking ease and naturalness : contrived

her manner was forced and unnatural

c

: inconsistent with what is reasonable or expected

an unnatural alliance

unnaturally

ˌən-ˈna-chə-rə-lē 

-ˈnach-rə-

-ˈna-chər-

adverb

unnaturalness

ˌən-ˈna-chə-rəl-nəs 

-ˈnach-rəl-

noun

Synonyms

• aberrant
• aberrational
• abnormal
• anomalous
• atypical
• deviant
• deviate
• devious
• irregular
• untypical

Choose the Right Synonym for unnatural

irregular, anomalous, unnatural mean not conforming to rule, law, or custom.

irregular implies not conforming to a law or regulation imposed for the sake of uniformity in method, practice, or conduct.

concerned about his irregular behavior

anomalous implies not conforming to what might be expected because of the class or type to which it belongs or the laws that govern its existence.

her drive made her an anomalous figure in a sleepy organization

unnatural suggests what is contrary to nature or to principles or standards felt to be essential to the well-being of civilized society.

prisoners treated with unnatural cruelty

Examples of unnatural in a Sentence

It seems unnatural to keep the bird in a cage.

She has an unnatural obsession with money.

Her smile looked forced and unnatural.

Recent Examples on the Web

While some can be used across different hair textures, lengths, curl patterns, thicknesses, colors (natural and unnatural), and concerns, many are created with specific consumers and their needs in mind. —Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 2 Nov. 2024

Now Morisseau, who is half Haitian and half Black American, is exploring a new setting, that of urbane Port-au-Prince, some years after the 2010 earthquake, a natural disaster that brought to the fore, with devastating clarity, the unnatural cycles of exploitation that threaten to define Haiti. —Doreen St. Félix, The New Yorker, 2 Nov. 2024

An older reader might like a beat to marvel at all the unnatural wonders, but there are mythic critters to be saved and the plot flies along, trying to keep up with Mal. —Yvonne Zipp, The Christian Science Monitor, 1 Nov. 2024

This is great news for anybody who hates the metallic, unnatural taste certain metal bottles and tumblers can add to water. —Daniel Donabedian, USA TODAY, 23 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing unnatural

• unnatural causes

Kids Definition

unnatural

adjective

un·​nat·​u·​ral ˌən-ˈnach-(ə-)rəl 

ˈən-

1

: not following nature or a normal course of events

2

a

: not being in agreement with normal feelings or behavior

b

: lacking ease and naturalness

unnaturally

-ˈnach-(ə-)rə-lē 

-ˈnach-ər-lē

adverb

unnaturalness

-ˈnach-(ə-)rəl-nəs 

noun