Word
unnaturally
Phoneticsun·nat·u·ral·ly
US/əˈnætʃɝɫi/
UK/ʌnnˈætʃəɹəli/
Adverb of manner
Definition
adv. in a way that does not seem normal or natural. You use it when something looks forced, strange, or artificial.
adv. in a way that deviates from what is normal, expected, or found in nature. Often modifies adjectives or verbs describing appearance, behaviour, or conditions that seem forced or artificial.
Examples
“She smiles unnaturally for the photo.”
“The office lights stay on all night, so the plants by the window grow unnaturally tall and pale.”
“After months of rehearsed answers, his apology sounded unnaturally smooth, as if every pause had been timed to please the cameras rather than express regret.”
Examples
simple
“She smiles unnaturally for the photo.”
contextual
“The office lights stay on all night, so the plants by the window grow unnaturally tall and pale.”
complex
“After months of rehearsed answers, his apology sounded unnaturally smooth, as if every pause had been timed to please the cameras rather than express regret.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “unnaturally” in context.
Verb
01. behave unnaturally
“The dog began to behave unnaturally when strangers entered.”
verb + adverb
02. feel unnaturally
“The water felt unnaturally cold for early summer.”
verb + adverb
03. laugh unnaturally
“He laughed unnaturally loudly at his own joke.”
verb + adverb
04. seem unnaturally
“He seemed unnaturally cheerful after the bad news.”
verb + adverb
05. smile unnaturally
“She smiled unnaturally for the passport photo.”
verb + adverb
06. sound unnaturally
“Her voice sounded unnaturally flat on the recording.”
verb + adverb
Adjective
07. unnaturally calm
“He remained unnaturally calm during the emergency interview.”
adverb + adjective
08. unnaturally pale
“Her face looked unnaturally pale under the hospital lights.”
adverb + adjective
09. unnaturally quiet
“The house was unnaturally quiet after the children left.”
adverb + adjective
10. behave unnaturally around strangers
“The cat tends to behave unnaturally around strangers.”
11. seem unnaturally calm under pressure
“She seemed unnaturally calm under pressure during the exam.”
12. unnaturally pale face
“The boy's unnaturally pale face worried his parents.”
Usage
Typically placed before the adjective it modifies or after the verb phrase.
Real-World Examples
“Why are the prefects so unnaturally perfect – and is there any truth to local stories about a witch who eats children’s hearts?” “The event, known as the Feels, fast-tracks intimacy by fusing mindfulness practices like meditation, unnaturally long eye contact and even feeling each other’s heartbeats within an environment meant for potential romantic partners.” “These virtual dogs look fatter, less wild and sinewy than the real thing; their tails curl unnaturally.” Etymology
From Middle English unnaturelly, equivalent to unnatural + -ly and/or un- + naturally.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word family
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
Related words
- 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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