unusual
adjective
un·usu·al
ˌən-ˈyü-zhə-wəl 
-zhəl;
-ˈyüzh-wəl
: not usual: as
a
: not normal or typical
It's unusual for him to work this late.
b
: different or strange in a way that attracts attention
an unusual design
d
: extraordinary sense 1, remarkable
a scholar of unusual ability
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
That a mistrial resulted from an article of clothing worn by an attorney in a courtroom in an attempt to sway a jury panel is highly unusual, the judge said.
—
Emerson Clarridge
updated February 17, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 Feb. 2026
The Pentagon’s threats, however, remain unusual and out of proportion with the challenge, and create a novel situation in which companies would effectively be forced to work with the government.
—Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 17 Feb. 2026
Wherever Jackson went, an unusual spirit usually was not so far away.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 17 Feb. 2026
Uthmeier’s adjunct job isn’t unusual; attorneys general around the country have taken on part-time instructional roles at state universities.
—Garrett Shanley Herald, Miami Herald, 17 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unusual
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Emerson Clarridge
updated February 17, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 Feb. 2026
The Pentagon’s threats, however, remain unusual and out of proportion with the challenge, and create a novel situation in which companies would effectively be forced to work with the government.
—Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 17 Feb. 2026
Wherever Jackson went, an unusual spirit usually was not so far away.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 17 Feb. 2026
Uthmeier’s adjunct job isn’t unusual; attorneys general around the country have taken on part-time instructional roles at state universities.
—Garrett Shanley Herald, Miami Herald, 17 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unusual
Cite this Entry
“Unusual.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unusual. Accessed 18 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
unusual
adjective
un·usu·al
ˌən-ˈyüzh-(ə-)wəl
-ˈyü-zhəl
unusually
adverb
-ē
unusualness
noun
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