Meaning & use

unusual

adjective·Everyday

Not common or ordinary; different from what is expected or typical.

See it in a sentence

It's unusual for him to arrive late; something must have happened.

The museum displayed an unusual collection of ancient coins from Persia.

A note on using this word

Unusual is neutral in tone, unlike strange or weird, which can sound more negative or judgmental.

Words with a similar meaning

uncommonunconventional

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Words with an opposite meaning

usualcommon

Make it your own

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