English Reference
adjective · noun

atypical

adj. · n.
US /ˌeɪˈtɪpɪkəɫ/ UK /eɪtˈɪpɪkəl/ atyp·i·cal

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate Academic

    adj.not following the usual pattern or not being what you normally expect.

    adj.deviating from the standard type, pattern, or expectation. Often used in academic or scientific contexts to describe data or behavior that does not fit the norm.

    Simple

    The cold weather in July was atypical for this part of the country.

    In context

    The researchers noted that the patient's response to the treatment was atypical, as most subjects showed improvement within forty-eight hours.

    Usage

    Usually placed before a noun or after a linking verb like 'be'.

  2. 02 C2 Proficiency Technical Medicine

    n.a type of modern medicine used to treat certain mental health conditions.

    n.a shortened term for an atypical antipsychotic, a class of second-generation drugs used to treat psychiatric conditions.

    Simple

    The doctor decided to prescribe an atypical to help manage the symptoms.

    In context

    Clinical trials compared the efficacy of several new atypicals against traditional first-generation medications for long-term patient stability.

    antipsychotic

From a- + typical.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Occasional
Updated