unusual

Derived from the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' and 'usual' from Middle English, originating from Old French 'usuel' and Latin 'usialis'.

ADJ (1)
[/ʌnˈjuːʒuəl/en-US]
Synonyms remarkable formal , atypical , uncommon
Antonyms usual , common

Something that is unusual is not common, typical, or ordinary; it is different from what is normally expected, observed, or done, often implying a sense of rarity or distinctiveness.

irregular note only if irregular
  • It's quite unusual for him to be silent; he's usually very talkative. — This sentence highlights the deviation from a person's typical behavior.
  • The museum displayed an unusual collection of ancient artifacts from a previously unknown civilization. — This example describes something unique and rare.
  • She found an unusual seashell with vibrant colors and a peculiar shape on the beach. — This describes something visually distinct and uncommon.