unconformable
Refusing to comply
Unconformable describes something that doesn't conform—refusing to comply with rules, standards, or expectations.
In geology, an unconformable surface marks a gap in the rock record where layers don't follow in continuous sequence, indicating missing time or erosion: The unconformable contact between the sandstone and granite represented millions of years.
The word suggests resistance to fitting neatly with what surrounds it.
Impossible to resolve together
- inconsistentLacking steady uniformity
- incongruousNot fitting together harmoniously
- discordantLacking musical agreement
- clashingStriking with discord
conflicting · mismatched · disparate · inharmonious · contradictory · dissonant · divergent · unsuited
Horizontal layer of material
- strataParallel geological layers
- erosionGradual wearing away
- sedimentaryFormed from deposited material
- angularSharp-edged or rawboned
parallel · discordant · bedding · deposition · hiatus · boundary · contact · surface
Contrary to accepted practice
- unconventionalDeparting from standard practice
- dissentingExpressing disagreement formally
- deviantOne diverging from norms
- anomalousDeviating from expected norms
irregular · aberrant · atypical · idiosyncratic · nontraditional · noncompliant · resistant · unyielding
Causing unease or distress
- uneasyTroubled, not calm
- ill-at-easeExperiencing social discomfort
- self-consciousUncomfortably aware of oneself
- embarrassedSelf-consciously uncomfortable
discomfited · squirming · flustered · abashed · disconcerted · sheepish · unsettled · restless
irreconcilable
Impossible to resolve together
- inconsistentLacking steady uniformity
- incongruousNot fitting together harmoniously
- discordantLacking musical agreement
clashing · conflicting · mismatched · disparate · inharmonious · contradictory · dissonant · divergent · unsuited · at-odds
stratum
Horizontal layer of material
- strataParallel geological layers
- erosionGradual wearing away
- sedimentaryFormed from deposited material
angular · parallel · discordant · bedding · deposition · hiatus · boundary · contact · surface · layer
unorthodox
Contrary to accepted practice
- unconventionalDeparting from standard practice
- dissentingExpressing disagreement formally
- deviantOne diverging from norms
anomalous · irregular · aberrant · atypical · idiosyncratic · nontraditional · noncompliant · resistant · unyielding · unaccommodating
uncomfortable
Causing unease or distress
- uneasyTroubled, not calm
- ill-at-easeExperiencing social discomfort
- self-consciousUncomfortably aware of oneself
embarrassed · discomfited · squirming · flustered · abashed · disconcerted · sheepish · unsettled · restless · tense
unconformableconformable
Willing to accord with
consistent · congruent · agreeable · compatible · harmonious
unconformableconformable
Willing to accord with
parallel · continuous · concordant · uninterrupted · sequential
unconformableconformable
Willing to accord with
compliant · adaptable · compatible · accommodating · flexible
conform, conformity, conforming, conformist, nonconformist, nonconformity, conformed, nonconforming, reconfirm