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unusual
/ˌʌnˈjuːʒuəl/
not common or ordinary
She has an unusual collection of vintage cameras.
Her collection is not typical or common.
general
Not commonly occurring or encountered; rare or exceptional.
The scientist discovered an unusual species of plant in the rainforest.
The plant is rare and not commonly found.
His behavior was unusual for someone of his age.
His actions were not typical for his age group.
Often used to describe things that stand out due to their rarity or uniqueness.
Collocations
unusual behavioractions that are not typical or expectedunusual circumstancessituations that are not common or ordinaryunusual eventan occurrence that is rare or exceptional
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Context Matters
The word 'unusual' can describe both positive and negative deviations from the norm. Pay attention to the context to understand the intended meaning.
Gold Rule
Avoid Overuse
While 'unusual' is a useful word, overusing it can make your writing or speech sound repetitive. Try to vary your vocabulary with synonyms like 'rare', 'exceptional', or 'strange'.
Word Origin
From Middle English 'unusual', from Old French 'usual', from Latin 'usualis' (customary). The prefix 'un-' indicates negation, making 'unusual' mean 'not usual'.
Usage Notes
The word is often used to describe things that are noteworthy because they deviate from the norm. It can be used in both positive and negative contexts, depending on the situation.
Word Breakdown
un-
not
prefixusual
common or ordinary
rootEnglish Dictionary