# outlandish

/aʊtˈɫændɪʃ/ (US) · /aʊtlˈændɪʃ/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/outlandish
Updated: 2026-05-09

## Definition

looking or sounding very strange and unusual, often in a way that is hard to believe.

For teachers: strikingly out of the ordinary; bizarre or unconventional in appearance, manner, or hypothesis.

## Examples

- She wore an outlandish hat with bright purple feathers.
- The witness gave an outlandish account of the event that the police found difficult to believe.
- While the scientist's theories were initially dismissed as outlandish, subsequent data from the deep-sea expedition provided the first empirical evidence that his claims were actually grounded in reality.

## Usage notes

- Often used to describe clothing, ideas, or behavior that violates social norms.

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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.