Word
unorthodox
Phoneticsun·ortho·dox
US/əˈnɔɹθəˌdɑks/
UK/ʌnˈɔːθədˌɒks/
Definition
adj. different from what is usually done or expected. You use this to describe ideas or methods that are creative and do not follow traditional rules.
adj. contrary to what is usual, traditional, or accepted. Often used to describe innovative methods or non-conformist beliefs that challenge established norms.
Examples
“The coach used an unorthodox strategy to win the game.”
“Her unorthodox teaching methods initially surprised the parents, but the students' test scores improved significantly by the end of the year.”
“While the scientist's theories were dismissed as unorthodox by his contemporaries, they eventually laid the groundwork for a paradigm shift in quantum mechanics.”
Examples
simple
“The coach used an unorthodox strategy to win the game.”
contextual
“Her unorthodox teaching methods initially surprised the parents, but the students' test scores improved significantly by the end of the year.”
complex
“While the scientist's theories were dismissed as unorthodox by his contemporaries, they eventually laid the groundwork for a paradigm shift in quantum mechanics.”
Usage
Often used to modify nouns like 'method', 'approach', 'strategy', or 'belief'.
Real-World Examples
“A California native and member of a conservative Christian family, Harp followed an unorthodox path into an already unconventional White House.” “Some were using tried-and-tested methods such as putting bedding in the freezer and keeping blackout curtains shut all day, while others turned to slightly more unorthodox methods.” Etymology
From un- + orthodox.
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.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL 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: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/unorthodox