unusual
Americanadjective
adjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of unusual
Explanation
Something unusual is uncommon. It's odd, weird, or out of the ordinary in some way. Unusual is the opposite of usual, thanks to the prefix un, meaning "not." Unusual things are noteworthy: you don't see them every day. A dog chasing a squirrel is usual. A squirrel chasing a dog would be unusual. Unusual can mean strange and bizarre, or just things that are rare. If someone is always absent, showing up would be unusual. Most surprising things are unusual.
Vocabulary lists containing unusual
List 7
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Strange
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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.
Japanese company Asilla says its AI surveillance system can detect unusual behaviour, such as falls, or someone who might be preparing to jump from a height.
From Barron's ● Jul. 28, 2026
The Nvidia-OpenAI deal looks even more unusual when considering the electricity required to power the Ohio data center.
From MarketWatch ● Jul. 27, 2026
The researchers describe vertebrate eyes as the product of an unusual evolutionary detour.
From Science Daily ● Jul. 26, 2026
It isn’t unusual for regulators to be unable to obtain a positive test result when investigating the source of foodborne illness.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 25, 2026
I take my cue from Father and don’t express surprise at such a strange, unusual name.
From "Will’s Race for Home" by Jewell Parker Rhodes
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.
