Word
atypical
Phoneticsatyp·i·cal
US/ˌeɪˈtɪpɪkəɫ/
UK/eɪtˈɪpɪkəl/
Definitions
01not typical
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.
“The cold weather in July was atypical for this part of the country.”
“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'.
02medicine
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Medicine Technical
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.
“The doctor decided to prescribe an atypical to help manage the symptoms.”
“Clinical trials compared the efficacy of several new atypicals against traditional first-generation medications for long-term patient stability.”
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“The years 2020–2022 were excluded because they represent an atypical period.” Etymology
From a- + typical.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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