unusual

Meanings

1. 1adjectivecomparable

   Different from what normally happens or what people expect; not common.

   Grammar: Works before a noun or after a verb: an unusual name, it is unusual.

   Patterns

   • unusual for someone to do something
   • it is unusual that

   It is unusual for him to be late.

   She has an unusual name that people often misspell.

   The shop sells some very unusual spices.

2. 2adjectivecomparableapproving

   Interesting or distinctive in a pleasing, original way.

   Grammar: Often used as mild praise: an unusual design.

   Patterns

   • unusual in something

   The architect chose an unusual shape for the library.

   Her paintings have an unusual mix of colors.

   This is an unusual and thoughtful gift.

Word forms

Common combinations

highly unusual

It is highly unusual to see snow here in April.

rather unusual

He has a rather unusual hobby of collecting keys.

nothing unusual

The inspector found nothing unusual in the room.

unusual circumstances

The match was moved because of unusual circumstances.

unusual for someone

It's unusual for her to miss a deadline.

Synonyms and how they differ

uncommon

Uncommon is neutral and means not frequent, while unusual can also suggest something different in kind.

strange

Strange suggests something puzzling or slightly uncomfortable, whereas unusual is more neutral.

rare

Rare refers to how seldom something exists or happens, while unusual refers to how far it differs from the norm.

distinctive

Distinctive points to a feature that sets something apart, usually positively.

Opposites

Word family

unusually adverb

to a surprising degree

unusualness noun

the state of being unusual

usual adjective

normal or expected

usually adverb

in most cases

Commonly confused: unusual or unusable?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “unusual”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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