unconventional

American  

[uhn-kuhn-ven-shuh-nl] / ˌʌn kənˈvɛn ʃə nl /

adjective

1. not conventional; not bound by or conforming to convention, rule, or precedent; free from conventionality.

   an unconventional artist; an unconventional use of material.

   Synonyms:

   atypical, idiosyncratic, individualistic, eccentric

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unconventional British  

/ ˌʌnkənˈvɛnʃənəl /

adjective

1. not conforming to accepted rules or standards

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Other Word Forms

• unconventionalist noun
• unconventionality noun
• unconventionally adverb

Etymology

Origin of unconventional

First recorded in 1830–40; un- ¹ + conventional

Example Sentences

There is almost always a transmission for him to work on, and in the unconventional system for mechanics’ pay, Hummel’s efficiency means more money for him and for his dealership.

From The Wall Street Journal

An unconventional and independent member of the Royal Family, the duchess was the first royal in almost three centuries to convert to Catholicism.

From BBC

While an unconventional biopic affords more freedom to directors, it may not always please audiences.

From The Wall Street Journal

It’s an unconventional psychological profile for an action hero, which Mr. Liu certainly is—the fight scenes, in which the female characters more than hold their own, are intense.

From The Wall Street Journal

The event, held at Esports Stadium in Arlington, Texas, promised to be unconventional with a roaring crowd and other quirks that eschewed typical chess etiquette.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• atypical
• bizarre
• eccentric
• idiosyncratic
• individualistic
• offbeat
• original
• unique
• unorthodox
• unusual