# atypical

/ˌeɪˈtɪpɪkəɫ/ (US) · /eɪtˈɪpɪkəl/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/atypical
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. not typical

adjective · CEFR B2 · Academic

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

For teachers: 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'.

### 2. medicine

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

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

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The warm weather is atypical for this time of year.
- The doctor noted that the patient's reaction to the medication was atypical, as most people experience no side effects.
- While the artist usually paints in bright, vibrant colors, this somber blue landscape is atypical of her early period and suggests a shift in her creative focus.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.