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Showing results for atypical. Search instead for surpass typical.
Synonyms

atypical

American  
[ey-tip-i-kuhl] / eɪˈtɪp ɪ kəl /
Also atypic

adjective

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

    atypical behavior; a flower atypical of the species.


atypical British  
/ eɪˈtɪpɪkəl /

adjective

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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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

  • atypicality noun
  • atypically adverb

Etymology

Origin of atypical

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

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.

These atypical numbers cut across the spectrum of the blood panel, Cheng said.

From Los Angeles Times

The death, sadly, is not atypical for large raptors, such as bald and golden eagles.

From Los Angeles Times

Lee was likely suffering from an "atypical depression" and prolonged grief reaction at the time of the murders, according to a psychiatric assessment conducted before the sentencing, local broadcaster RNZ reported.

From BBC

It’s also amphibious, behavior highly atypical in cars.

From The Wall Street Journal

Individuals with "atypical/energy-related" depression were roughly 2.7 times more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes than those without depressive symptoms, but they did not face a higher risk of cardiovascular disease.

From Science Daily