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

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

From Los Angeles Times

Angel Studios’ launch on the public market is the latest step in the company’s unconventional journey into the entertainment business.

From Los Angeles Times

His unconventional approach has drawn some criticism, particularly by Republicans who previously characterized it as an example of Newsom lacking respect for the institution.

From Los Angeles Times

Because of that unconventional background, she says her level of hormone-fueled boy craziness mixed with her rugged ability to swing a hammer and basically turned her into “a gay man.”

From Los Angeles Times

These polar "geoengineering" techniques aim to cool the planet in unconventional ways, such as artificially thickening sea-ice or releasing tiny, reflective particles into the atmosphere.

From BBC

Related Words

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