atypical

Also a·typ·ic

[ey-tip-i-kuhl]

adjective

1. not typical; not conforming to the type; irregular; abnormal.

   atypical behavior; a flower atypical of the species.

atypical

/ eɪˈtɪpɪkəl /

adjective

1. not typical; deviating from or not conforming to type

Other Word Forms

• atypicality noun
• atypically adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of atypical¹

First recorded in 1880–85; a- ⁶ + typical

Example Sentences

This would annoy me if I didn’t trust Chang did this intentionally as part of her goal to tell atypical immigrant stories.

From Los Angeles Times

One letter suggested Moth may have an "atypical form" of the condition, or perhaps "an even more unusual disorder".

From BBC

One letter appears to show that Moth had previously been considered as having an "atypical form of corticobasal degeneration", but further examination suggested he may have "an even more unusual disorder, perhaps monogenetic".

From BBC

However inaccurately glorified and dramatized, the agency hopes that Hollywood’s work can keep the revolving door moving, inspiring atypical talent to join its ranks.

From Los Angeles Times

It was at the Fortnight where Sean Byrne’s “Dangerous Animals” became the first shark film to ever screen during Cannes, and this unconventional locale is quietly befitting of the movie’s atypical premise and exciting execution.

From Salon

Related Words

• abnormal 
• anomalous 
• divergent 
• odd 
• peculiar 
• strange 
• unnatural 

When To Use

What does atypical mean?

Atypical is used to describe something that does not conform to the norm or that is irregular, such as an atypical behavior or an atypical action.Something that is atypical differs in a noticeable way from other items of its kind. An atypical flower might be a flower that glows in the dark (if you discover one, let us know!). An atypical horror film could be one in which the monster tries to be friends with everyone rather than kill them.Example: These fixtures are atypical of our usual products.