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

His taste in fabrics was unconventional as well.

From Los Angeles Times

Officials have discussed some unconventional ways to put out the blaze including building scaffolding to reach and suppress flames higher up the tree.

From BBC

Some legislation has been proposed to ameliorate the concerns, or at least lay the legal groundwork for an unconventional quick-turn census.

From Salon

“The three of us were an unconventional group, though, and we hoped they might choose us.”

From Los Angeles Times

That show was called called “Outré West,” its name alluding to the unconventional approach of these West Coast transplants.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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