ENGLISH
REFERENCE

unusual

adj.
A2 Elementary Oxford US //ənˈjuˌʒuəɫ// UK //ʌnjˈuːʒuːəl// un·usu·al General-service

adj. different from what is common or expected. You use this to describe something that is not normal or happens only rarely.

adj. deviating from what is common, customary, or expected. Often used to describe rare occurrences or distinctive characteristics that stand out from the norm.


SIMPLE

It is unusual to see snow in this part of the country.

CONTEXTUAL

The bird has an unusual blue pattern on its wings that makes it easy for researchers to identify.

COMPLEX

While the symptoms appeared standard at first, the patient's unusual reaction to the medication prompted the doctors to run a more extensive series of diagnostic tests.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Origin

From un- + usual.

Usage

Typically placed before the noun it modifies or after a linking verb like 'be' or 'seem'.

© 2026 English Reference