unconventional

adjective

un·​con·​ven·​tion·​al ˌən-kən-ˈven(t)-sh(ə-)nəl 

: not conventional : not bound by or in accordance with convention : being out of the ordinary

an unconventional outfit

an unconventional thinker

unconventionality

ˌən-kən-ˌven(t)-shə-ˈna-lə-tē 

noun

unconventionally adverb

Synonyms of unconventional

• dissident
• dissenting
• out-there

Examples of unconventional in a Sentence

Her lifestyle is rather unconventional.

the Shakers acquired their name because of their unconventional practice of dancing with shaking movements during worship

Recent Examples on the Web

Its unconventional location inside the city—a couple of blocks away from the main square—is not the only impressive aspect of Cenote Zací. —Regina Zumarraga, Travel + Leisure, 27 Apr. 2026

Some nail artists use an airbrush tool to create this blend of colors, while others, like Annie Ngo, a nail artist in Atlanta, use more unconventional methods, like dabbing on eye shadow. —Annie Blay-Tettey, Allure, 27 Apr. 2026

For Rolling Stone, the move is somewhat unconventional. —Spin Staff, SPIN, 27 Apr. 2026

His dishes are unconventional, creative, and utterly decadent, so leave the diet at the door and prepare to indulge your inner gourmand. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1835, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for unconventional

• interventional
• nonconventional
• nondimensional
• unintentional
• attentional
• conventional
• dimensional
• extensional
• intensional
• intentional
• multidimensional
• unidimensional

Kids Definition

unconventional

adjective

un·​con·​ven·​tion·​al ˌən-kən-ˈvench-nəl 

-ən-ᵊl

: not conventional : not bound by or in agreement with convention

unconventional behavior

unconventionality

-ˌven-chə-ˈnal-ət-ē 

noun

unconventionally

-ˈvench-nə-lē, 

-ən-ᵊl-ē

adverb