unusual

adjective

un·​usu·​al ˌən-ˈyü-zhə-wəl How to pronounce unusual (audio)
-zhəl;
-ˈyüzh-wəl
: not usual : uncommon, rare
unusually adverb
unusualness noun

Examples of unusual in a Sentence

It's not unusual for him to stay late at work. a scene of unusual beauty She has an unusual name.
Recent Examples on the Web Schwartz began studying art, experimenting in mediums including acrylic and watercolors, frequently mixing these with such unusual materials as sand or found objects. News Desk, Artforum, 17 Oct. 2024 One exhibition case highlights his use of unusual materials, from a mohawk hat made with Barbie doll legs to a conceptual assemblage of yellowed book pages. Joelle Diderich, WWD, 17 Oct. 2024 Rates include a massage every day for each participant, an indulgent luxury, as well as laundry, which is very unusual in this country. Larry Olmsted, Forbes, 17 Oct. 2024 Fatalities were unusual, VCA notes, until the medical cannabis market began producing high-dose products. Rowan Briggs, The Mercury News, 16 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for unusual 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'unusual.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1579, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unusual was in 1579

Dictionary Entries Near unusual

Cite this Entry

“Unusual.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unusual. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

unusual

adjective
un·​usu·​al ˌən-ˈyüzh-(ə-)wəl How to pronounce unusual (audio)
-ˈyü-zhəl
: not usual : uncommon, rare
unusually
adverb
unusualness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on unusual

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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