unusual

adjective

un·​usu·​al ˌən-ˈyü-zhə-wəl 

-zhəl;

-ˈyüzh-wəl

: not usual : uncommon, rare

unusually adverb

unusualness noun

Synonyms

• curious
• extraordinary
• funny
• odd
• offbeat
• out-of-the-way
• peculiar
• queer
• rare
• singular
• strange
• unaccustomed
• uncommon
• uncustomary
• unique
• weird

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

While most incidents have come in New Jersey, other states, including Maryland, Virginia, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New York, have also reported unusual drone activity to law enforcement. —Maya Homan, USA TODAY, 17 Dec. 2024

But when physicians look at a pool of unusual test results, the chaotic sequencing pattern could flag whether something more serious may be going on and the mother could benefit from additional testing, Bianchi said. —Jacqueline Howard, CNN, 16 Dec. 2024

In an unusual touch, the staircase actually has a window cut into it to maximize light in the bathroom (presumably there's some sort of covering in there for privacy). —New Atlas, 15 Dec. 2024

But to say this is not unusual activity is just wrong. —Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 15 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1579, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing unusual

• cruel and unusual punishment

Kids Definition

unusual

adjective

un·​usu·​al ˌən-ˈyüzh-(ə-)wəl 

-ˈyü-zhəl

: not usual : uncommon, rare

unusually

-ē

adverb

unusualness noun