unusual
Americanadjective
adjective
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of unusual
Explanation
Something unusual is uncommon. It's odd, weird, or out of the ordinary in some way. Unusual is the opposite of usual, thanks to the prefix un, meaning "not." Unusual things are noteworthy: you don't see them every day. A dog chasing a squirrel is usual. A squirrel chasing a dog would be unusual. Unusual can mean strange and bizarre, or just things that are rare. If someone is always absent, showing up would be unusual. Most surprising things are unusual.
Vocabulary lists containing unusual
List 7
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Strange
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Among the companies under review was Unusual Machines, a Florida drone parts maker, a Defense official said.
From Salon • May 31, 2026
Unusual Machines was one of the companies the Pentagon identified for potential funding, the Journal reported, citing people familiar with the matter.
From Barron's • May 28, 2026
Publicly traded Unusual Machines has invested in another drone project backed by Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump and in a deal with suppliers of China-made drones.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 28, 2026
He delivers only one promise, which he no doubt will keep: “I will see you in six days, 22 hours, and however many minutes, for Unusual Tuesday!”
From Los Angeles Times • May 18, 2026
Your flyer says you have Unusual Chickens for the Exceptional Poultry Farmer.
From "Unusual Chickens for the Exceptional Poultry Farmer" by Kelly Jones
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
