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

In 2016, a record-low voter turnout of 55% — an unusual milestone for an island known for high voter turnouts of 73% to 89% — as well as low numbers in the 2020 election signaled growing voter dissatisfaction with the two main parties amid the island’s financial crisis and recent natural disasters. —Nicole Acevedo, NBC News, 6 Nov. 2024

The retirement of Chiarello made this race an unusual exercise for South Bay voters who got to choose between two candidates. —Robert Salonga, The Mercury News, 6 Nov. 2024

It's more accurately seen as a return to the township's Republican norm, after one unusual term with a Democrat in charge. —Bill Laytner, Detroit Free Press, 6 Nov. 2024

The Lions faced an unusual situation, but Campbell thought outside the box and made the adjustments to ensure his players did not get distracted by the conditions. —Don Yaeger, Forbes, 5 Nov. 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