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
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Strange
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
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
The social media presence of Sun Space is sparse, so Unusual Tuesday attracts most of its attendees by word of mouth.
From Los Angeles Times • May 18, 2026
“I have known quite a few Alters and Altes, and many of them have gone on to lead long and exceptional lives. Unusual lives.”
From "The City Beautiful" by Aden Polydoros
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.
