unconventional

[uhn-kuhn-ven-shuh-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

unconventional

/ ˌʌnkənˈvɛnʃənəl /

adjective

1. not conforming to accepted rules or standards

Other Word Forms

• unconventionalist noun
• unconventionally adverb
• unconventionality noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of unconventional¹

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

Example Sentences

Nate says it was an "unconventional choice", but key to the story the developers wanted to tell of an underdog defying society's expectations.

Read more on BBC

"They often experience lower self-esteem, feel disconnected from politics, and are more likely to engage in unconventional political actions that challenge existing norms," says Dr Hill.

Read more on BBC

For anyone who has followed Armisen’s unconventional road to comedy, “100 Sound Effects” almost comes across like a Venn diagram of his varied interests.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Kellyman is terrific opposite Squibb, but this unconventional friendship tale is the kind of slight human interest story that slips from your consciousness almost as soon as it has made its brief impression.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Early on, critics panned the building’s unconventional design, calling it everything from “tight” and “unadventurous” to a “supersized cheese grater.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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