Dictionary monolingual
English

Unusual

ˌənˈjuʒ(u)əl
Very common
~ 2100
~ 2100
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.

Unusual -

Not usual or common; out of the ordinary

Example: Seeing a kangaroo in the backyard was quite unusual for this part of the country.
Usage: formalContext: academic or professional discussions
Note: This is the most common meaning of 'unusual' and is used to describe something that is uncommon or unexpected.

Strange or peculiar in a way that catches attention

Example: She had an unusual way of speaking that made everyone listen intently.
Usage: neutralContext: describing personal characteristics or behaviors
Note: This meaning can imply a sense of curiosity or intrigue about the peculiar nature of something.

Not in accordance with custom or tradition

Example: Their wedding ceremony was quite unusual, with a mix of cultural traditions.
Usage: neutralContext: discussing events or practices
Note: This meaning refers to something that deviates from the usual customs or norms.

Unusual's synonyms

Rare

Rare means not occurring very often or not common.
Example: It is rare to see such a beautiful sunset.
Note: Rare implies a low frequency or occurrence, while unusual suggests something out of the ordinary.

Atypical

Atypical means not conforming to the usual type or pattern.
Example: His behavior was atypical for someone of his age.
Note: Atypical emphasizes a deviation from the norm or standard, whereas unusual implies something different from what is expected.

Peculiar

Peculiar means strange or odd in a way that is interesting or attractive.
Example: She had a peculiar way of speaking that fascinated everyone.
Note: Peculiar carries a connotation of being distinctive or unique, while unusual simply means not common or ordinary.

Exceptional

Exceptional means unusually good or outstanding.
Example: Her exceptional talent made her stand out from the rest.
Note: Exceptional focuses on being extraordinary or outstanding, while unusual refers to something not commonly seen.

Unusual expressions, common phrases

Out of the ordinary

This phrase refers to something that is not typical or usual.
Example: Her choice of outfit was out of the ordinary for a formal event.
Note: It emphasizes deviation from what is expected or customary.

One of a kind

This phrase describes something unique or singular, not like anything else.
Example: The antique vase was one of a kind, with intricate patterns not seen elsewhere.
Note: It highlights the exceptional nature of something, distinguishing it from the ordinary.

Far from the norm

This phrase indicates a significant departure from the usual or standard.
Example: His approach to problem-solving was far from the norm, but surprisingly effective.
Note: It suggests a considerable difference in behavior or characteristics compared to what is typical.

Off the beaten path

This phrase means to go somewhere less traveled or unconventional.
Example: We decided to explore off the beaten path to discover hidden gems in the city.
Note: It conveys the idea of exploring areas that are not commonly visited or known to many.

A departure from the norm

This phrase signifies a significant deviation from what is considered standard or typical.
Example: His avant-garde fashion designs were a departure from the norm in the industry.
Note: It highlights a deliberate move away from established conventions or practices.

Off the wall

This phrase refers to something eccentric, unconventional, or bizarre.
Example: Her off-the-wall sense of humor always kept us entertained.
Note: It implies a level of unpredictability or quirkiness beyond what is normally encountered.

Unusual everyday (slang) expressions

Weird

Weird is often used to describe something that is strange, unusual, or different in a way that is difficult to explain or understand.
Example: That movie was really weird, I couldn't follow the plot at all.
Note:

Odd

Odd is used to describe something that is strange or peculiar, not fitting a pattern or expected behavior.
Example: It's a bit odd that they haven't replied to my email yet.
Note:

Quirky

Quirky refers to something that is peculiar in an appealing or interesting way, often implying a sense of originality or creativity.
Example: She has a quirky sense of style, always wearing bright colors and unique accessories.
Note:

Eccentric

Eccentric describes behavior or characteristics that are unconventional, strange, or peculiar in a way that is seen as unique or individualistic.
Example: Our neighbor is quite eccentric; he spends hours in his garden talking to his plants.
Note:

Kooky

Kooky is a playful term used to describe someone or something that is eccentric or unconventional in a whimsical or amusing way.
Example: Her kooky ideas always surprise us but end up working really well.
Note:

Offbeat

Offbeat refers to something that is unconventional, unusual, or out of the ordinary, often in a distinctive or unique way.
Example: Their music has an offbeat rhythm that makes it stand out from other bands in the genre.
Note:

Freaky

Freaky is used to describe something that is unsettling, strange, or frightening, often in a way that creates a sense of unease or creepiness.
Example: That horror movie was so freaky, it gave me nightmares for weeks.
Note:

Unusual - Examples

Unusual weather patterns have been observed in recent years.
She has an unusual talent for playing the accordion.
The restaurant serves some truly unusual dishes.

Unusual grammar

Unusual - Adjective (Adjective) / Adjective (Adjective)
Lemma: unusual
Conjugations
Adjective (Adjective): unusual
Syllables, Separation and Stress
unusual Contains 3 syllables: un • usu • al
Phonetic transcription: ˌən-ˈyü-zhə-wəl
un usu al , ˌən ˈyü zhə wəl (The red syllable is stressed)

Unusual - Importance and usage frequency

The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
unusual: ~ 2100 (Very common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
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