unconventional

adjective

un·​con·​ven·​tion·​al
ˌən-kən-ˈven(t)-sh(ə-)nəl
 How to pronounce unconventional (audio)
: not conventional : not bound by or in accordance with convention : being out of the ordinary
an unconventional outfit
an unconventional thinker
unconventionally adverb

Examples of unconventional in a Sentence

Her lifestyle is rather unconventional. the Shakers acquired their name because of their unconventional practice of dancing with shaking movements during worship
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Netflix rom-com show about the unlikely romance between unconventional rabbi Noah Roklov (Adam Brody) and dating podcaster Joanne Williams (Kristen Bell) is back for season 2. Skyler Trepel, PEOPLE, 25 Oct. 2025 Said to be inspired by Hansen-Løve’s own relationship with French director Olivier Assayas, Bergman Island is an unconventional romance film that is about both the difficulties of love and the love of difficult movies. Erik Morse, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2025 The new two-toned bordeaux is especially striking for an unconventional holiday table, though the print is available in several other shades that are versatile enough to use daily. Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 23 Oct. 2025 Forced to spend years lying on a hospital bed and undergoing rehabilitation, Bellaribi was able to heal herself through music and singing, helped by an unconventional professor (which will be played by Zylberstein). Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 23 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for unconventional

Word History

First Known Use

1835, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unconventional was in 1835

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Cite this Entry

“Unconventional.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unconventional. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

unconventional

adjective
un·​con·​ven·​tion·​al ˌən-kən-ˈvench-nəl How to pronounce unconventional (audio)
-ən-ᵊl
: not conventional : not bound by or in agreement with convention
unconventional behavior
unconventionality noun
unconventionally
-ˈvench-nə-lē
-ən-ᵊl-ē
adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on unconventional

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