unusual

[uhn-yoo-zhoo-uhl, -yoozh-wuhl]

adjective

1. not usual, common, or ordinary; uncommon in amount or degree; exceptional.

   an unusual sound; an unusual hobby; an unusual response.

   Synonyms: odd, queer, curious, singular, strange, rare, remarkable, extraordinary

unusual

/ ʌnˈjuːʒʊəl /

adjective

1. out of the ordinary; uncommon; extraordinary

   an unusual design

Other Word Forms

• unusualness noun
• unusually adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of unusual¹

First recorded in 1575–85; un- ¹ + usual

Example Sentences

Monday’s alert about a last-minute presidential announcement isn’t unusual.

From Salon

“There is nothing unusual or untoward about team sponsors doing endorsement deals with players on the same team,” the statement said in part.

From Los Angeles Times

“If something seems off, say something. Trust your instincts and report suspicious activity, whether it is a strange message, unusual behavior, or something that does not sit right.”

From Los Angeles Times

But one of the internet-famous youngsters, Gizmo, may have just dropped by her childhood home, an unusual occurrence for an eagle of nearly six months.

From Los Angeles Times

Breyer…took the unusual step of criticizing a ruling of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, to which he nominally reports, for its dangerous acquiescence in the president’s authoritarian agenda.

From Salon

Related Words

• amazing 
• astonishing 
• awesome 
• bizarre 
• curious 
• exceptional 
• extraordinary 
• incredible 
• memorable 
• noteworthy 
• odd 
• phenomenal 
• rare 
• remarkable 
• significant 
• singular 
• special 
• strange 
• surprising 
• uncommon