What does "unusual" mean?

1. (rare or different) different from what is common or expected. 2. (strange or curious) strange in a way that is interesting or surprising. 3. (an anomaly) something that is not normal or expected.

unusual

adj. · n.

US //ənˈjuˌʒuəɫ// UK //ʌnjˈuːʒuːəl// un·usu·al

1 rare or different (adj.)
A2 Elementary

different from what is common or expected.

not habitual or common; deviating from the standard or expected norm.

Example

It is very unusual to have snow in this part of the country during May.

Example

The researchers noted an unusual spike in data, suggesting that the previous assumptions about the local climate were incomplete.
2 strange or curious (adj.)
B1 Intermediate

strange in a way that is interesting or surprising.

remarkable or peculiar in a manner that attracts attention or curiosity.

Example

She has an unusual hobby of collecting antique typewriter ribbons.

Example

The building's unusual architecture, featuring sharp angles and reflective glass, made it a controversial landmark in the historic district.
- normal
- typical

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3 an anomaly (n.)
C1 Advanced Formal

something that is not normal or expected.

an occurrence or object that is atypical or anomalous.

Example

The doctor said the test result was an unusual, but nothing to worry about.

Example

In a sea of predictable outcomes, this specific failure represents the unusual that requires further investigation by the engineering team.
- anomaly
- exception
- norm
- standard

Origin

From un- + usual.