unusual

[uhn-yoo-zhoo-uhl, -yoozh-wuhl]

adjective

1. not usual, common, or ordinary; uncommon in amount or degree; exceptional.

   an unusual sound; an unusual hobby; an unusual response.

   Synonyms: odd, queer, curious, singular, strange, rare, remarkable, extraordinary

unusual

/ ʌnˈjuːʒʊəl /

adjective

1. out of the ordinary; uncommon; extraordinary

   an unusual design

Other Word Forms

• unusually adverb
• unusualness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of unusual¹

First recorded in 1575–85; un- ¹ + usual

Example Sentences

She noted that this striking color indicated that the complex had formed in an unusual way.

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The unusual mixture of gases at Karambusel affects both the ecosystem and the geological characteristics of the vent field.

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Brad Setser, former assistant Treasury secretary under President Barack Obama, told the Wall Street Journal there is “essentially no information on how that money is being used,” calling it “unusual given this is taxpayer money.”

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Analytically minded front offices, full of Ivy League data wonks with little or no playing experience, have far less reverence for baseball orthodoxy and have begun looking for talent in unusual places.

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“For them to essentially threaten an investigation or court-martial is highly, highly unusual,” Nevitt said.

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Related Words

• amazing 
• astonishing 
• awesome 
• bizarre 
• curious 
• exceptional 
• extraordinary 
• incredible 
• memorable 
• noteworthy 
• odd 
• phenomenal 
• rare 
• remarkable 
• significant 
• singular 
• special 
• strange 
• surprising 
• uncommon