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
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 event is sponsored by the Fallbrook Gem & Mineral Society and features 30 dealers with minerals, gemstones, jewelry, fossils and unusual gifts. Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Oct. 2025 Look for unusual activity such as unrecognized logins, changes to passwords or new connected devices. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 10 Oct. 2025 An interesting and unusual case is provided by the long poem that the Roman author Lucretius composed around 50 BC. Literary Hub, 10 Oct. 2025 The bearded vulture, a large bird of prey with an unusual diet consisting primarily of bones, has long fascinated ornithologists. Taylor Nicioli, CNN Money, 10 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for unusual

Word History

First Known Use

1579, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unusual was in 1579

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Cite this Entry

“Unusual.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unusual. Accessed 17 Oct. 2025.

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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