A2adjective2K

Unusual

UK /["/ʌnˈjuːʒuəl//ʌnˈjuːʒəl/"]/US /["/ʌnˈjuːʒuəl//ʌnˈjuːʒəl/"]/

Definition

different from what is usual or normal

In simple words: Not common or not what you expect.

Examples

  • She wore an unusual hat that caught everyone's attention.
  • It's unusual to see snow in this region during the summer.
  • His behavior at the party was quite unusual for someone so shy.
  • The artist used unusual colors in her paintings to express emotions.
  • Finding a book this interesting is unusual in my experience.

Usage notes

Use 'unusual' to describe something that is different from what is typical. It's suitable for both spoken and written contexts, but may sound less natural in very informal conversations.

Grammar pattern

standalone adjective

Memory hint

Think of 'unusual' as 'un-usual' — it’s not usual!

Collocations

  • appear
  • be
  • look
  • extremely
  • fairly
  • very
  • for
  • in
  • appear
  • be
  • look
  • extremely
  • fairly
  • very
  • for
  • in

Synonyms

  • uncommon

Antonyms

  • usual
  • common
  • ordinary

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'unusual' vs 'usual'.
  • Misuse in negative sentences, like saying 'not unusual' when you mean something is common.
  • Using 'unusual' when 'unique' would be more appropriate.