atypical
Americanadjective
adjective
Usage
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.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of atypical
Explanation
Typical means what you would expect—a typical suburban town has lots of neat little houses and people. Atypical means outside of type—an atypical suburban town might be populated by zombies in damp caves. Atypical is a synonym of "unusual," but it carries a more objective feel—scientific studies might mention atypical results, suggesting that there is a clear definition of what is typical and what is not. "Unusual" is more of a casual observation that one might make in a non-scientific context.
Vocabulary lists containing atypical
"Not Much, Just Chillin'" – "My Own True Name"
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typ
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Vocab Video Contest (2016) - List 1
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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.
This is atypical for retail investors, who usually buy more stocks in aggregate than they sell.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 27, 2026
In her experience, and that of her friends, his trajectory is atypical.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 12, 2026
"A classical elegance – a couple incredibly atypical," it says.
From BBC • Apr. 9, 2026
Oftentimes, these atypical acquiring editors grew their online book communities for several years before landing at Bindery.
From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 18, 2026
So Bobby decided to use an atypical approach—one unusual for Byrne to face and for Bobby to try.
From "Endgame" by Frank Brady
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.
