# unnatural

/ənˈnætʃɝəɫ/ (US) · /ʌnnˈætʃəɹəl/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. artificial or man-made

adjective · CEFR B2

not made by nature; created by people or machines.

For teachers: not occurring in the natural environment; synthetic or artificial in origin.

- The bright green color of the soda looked completely unnatural.
- The scientist noted that the chemical compound was entirely unnatural, having been synthesized in a high-pressure laboratory environment.

### 2. strange or forced

adjective · CEFR B2

not appearing normal or relaxed; feeling forced or fake.

For teachers: lacking spontaneity or ease; appearing affected, stilted, or contrived.

- He gave an unnatural smile when he saw his rival enter the room.
- The actor's performance felt unnatural, as if he were reciting lines rather than inhabiting the character's emotional state.

### 3. against nature

adjective · CEFR C1 · Formal

going against what is considered normal or right in the natural world.

For teachers: contrary to the laws of nature or established biological norms; often carries a moralizing tone.

- Some people used to think that certain behaviors were unnatural.
- The philosopher argued that the concept of what is unnatural is often a social construct used to marginalize minority groups.

## Examples

- The bright green color of the river looked unnatural.
- He spoke in an unnatural, high-pitched voice that made everyone in the room feel slightly uncomfortable.
- The rapid growth of the city created an unnatural landscape where concrete towers stood in stark, jarring contrast to the surrounding ancient forest.

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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.