# unusual

/ənˈjuˌʒuəɫ/ (US) · /ʌnjˈuːʒuːəl/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/unusual
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. rare or different

adjective · CEFR A2

different from what is common or expected.

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

- It is very unusual to have snow in this part of the country during May.
- The researchers noted an unusual spike in data, suggesting that the previous assumptions about the local climate were incomplete.

### 2. strange or curious

adjective · CEFR B1

strange in a way that is interesting or surprising.

For teachers: remarkable or peculiar in a manner that attracts attention or curiosity.

- She has an unusual hobby of collecting antique typewriter ribbons.
- The building's unusual architecture, featuring sharp angles and reflective glass, made it a controversial landmark in the historic district.

### 3. an anomaly

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

something that is not normal or expected.

For teachers: an occurrence or object that is atypical or anomalous.

- The doctor said the test result was an unusual, but nothing to worry about.
- In a sea of predictable outcomes, this specific failure represents the unusual that requires further investigation by the engineering team.

## Examples

- It is unusual to see snow in this part of the country.
- The bird has an unusual blue pattern on its wings that makes it easy for researchers to identify.
- 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.

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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.