unconventional

adjective

un·​con·​ven·​tion·​al

ˌən-kən-ˈven(t)-sh(ə-)nəl

 

: not conventional : not bound by or in accordance with convention : being out of the ordinary

an unconventional outfit

an unconventional thinker

unconventionality

ˌən-kən-ˌven(t)-shə-ˈna-lə-tē 

noun

unconventionally adverb

Synonyms

• dissentient
• dissenting
• dissident
• heretical
• heretic
• heterodox
• iconoclastic
• maverick
• nonconformist
• nonorthodox
• out-there
• unorthodox

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

Two of this year’s contenders hope to chart an unconventional path. —Kyle Buchanan, New York Times, 12 Feb. 2025

In Nobody Wants This, an agnostic podcast host and an unconventional rabbi on the rebound walk into a party. —Denise Petski, Deadline, 11 Feb. 2025

While some praised his unconventional love life, many were far from impressed. —Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 11 Feb. 2025

Uncommon Courses is an occasional series from The Conversation U.S. highlighting unconventional approaches to teaching. —Darryl Yong, The Conversation, 7 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1835, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

unconventional

adjective

un·​con·​ven·​tion·​al ˌən-kən-ˈvench-nəl 

-ən-ᵊl

: not conventional : not bound by or in agreement with convention

unconventional behavior

unconventionality

-ˌven-chə-ˈnal-ət-ē 

noun

unconventionally

-ˈvench-nə-lē

-ən-ᵊl-ē

adverb