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

Founded in 2018, Semi-Formal’s mission is to tell unique and heartfelt stories that are edgy, contemporary, and socially aware, with a focus on unconventional lead characters. —Matt Grobar, Deadline, 27 June 2024

Here’s a complete timeline of the unconventional group’s friendship, with most recent events up top. —Glamour, 27 June 2024

Choose a unique color or an unconventional shape for your can. —Tiana Randall, Architectural Digest, 27 June 2024

But the conversation around the restaurant’s unconventional age policy raises some interesting questions: To what extent can businesses dictate who their customers are? —Harmeet Kaur, CNN, 27 June 2024

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