unusual

adjective

un·​usu·​al ˌən-ˈyü-zhə-wəl 

-zhəl;

-ˈyüzh-wəl

: not usual : uncommon, rare

unusually adverb

unusualness noun

Synonyms

• uncommon
• strange
• funny
• weird
• rare
• extraordinary

Examples of unusual in a Sentence

It's not unusual for him to stay late at work.

a scene of unusual beauty

She has an unusual name.

Recent Examples on the Web

Because boys were so young — just two — when they were diagnosed, Alisha describes their perhaps unusual reaction to their treatment. —Tabitha Parent, PEOPLE, 26 Sep. 2025

Because of the two storms’ proximity, experts are watching for the possible occurrence of an unusual phenomenon called the Fujiwhara effect. —Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 26 Sep. 2025

Lucas, in a statement to The Star, referenced the fact that the city’s police were under state control, a highly unusual arrangement with four police commissioners appointed by Missouri’s Republican governor. —Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 26 Sep. 2025

However, such individuals are relatively unusual, making up as little as 10% of those who support political violence, Pape said. —Max Zahn, ABC News, 25 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1579, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing unusual

• cruel and unusual punishment

Rhymes for unusual

• biofuel
• contextual
• nonrenewal
• nonsexual
• accrual
• nonfuel
• refuel
• renewal
• cruel
• dual
• duel
• fuel

Kids Definition

unusual

adjective

un·​usu·​al ˌən-ˈyüzh-(ə-)wəl 

-ˈyü-zhəl

: not usual : uncommon, rare

unusually

-ē

adverb

unusualness noun