unusual
Out of ordinary
Unusual describes something that deviates from what is common, expected, or ordinary.
It suggests rarity or distinctiveness without necessarily implying strangeness or judgment—an unusual talent or unusual opportunity can be positive, while unusual behavior might raise concern.
The word often signals that something merits attention precisely because it stands apart from the norm.
It's unusual for her to be late.
Unusual or not even
- weirdStrangely unsettling
- bizarreStrikingly unconventional
- peculiarStrangely unusual
- abnormalDeviating from typical
atypical · irregular · freakish · outlandish · grotesque · uncanny · eerie · mystifying
Idiosyncratically unusual
- idiosyncraticDistinctively individual in nature
- whimsicalPlayfully fanciful or erratic
- kookyOddball in manner
- offbeatPleasantly strange or unusual
zany · unconventional · nonconformist · bohemian · unorthodox · wacky · droll · maverick
In short supply
- infrequentHappening only occasionally
- uncommonSeldom occurring or found
- sparseThinly scattered or distributed
- seldomOn few occasions
limited · sporadic · exceptional · singular · precious · valuable · elite · esoteric
Beyond what's typical
- exceptionalNotably above the norm
- noteworthyMeriting special attention
- outstandingExceptionally good or unpaid
- distinguishedNotable and respected
phenomenal · striking · impressive · memorable · singular · unprecedented · unparalleled · incomparable
Departure from expected path
- aberrationDeviation from the norm
- irregularityDeparture from standard
- outlierDistant data point
- exceptionDeviation from standard
inconsistency · divergence · variation · departure · oddity · freak · glitch · quirk
Introducing new ideas
- originalFirst or inventive
- freshNewly made, not stale
- inventiveShowing original thought
- groundbreakingIntroducing radical new ideas
pioneering · unprecedented · creative · cutting-edge · trailblazing · revolutionary · experimental · uncharted
odd
Unusual or not even
abnormal · atypical · irregular · freakish · outlandish · grotesque · uncanny · eerie · mystifying · baffling
quirky
Idiosyncratically unusual
- idiosyncraticDistinctively individual in nature
- whimsicalPlayfully fanciful or erratic
- kookyOddball in manner
offbeat · zany · unconventional · nonconformist · bohemian · unorthodox · wacky · droll · maverick · iconoclast
scarce
In short supply
- infrequentHappening only occasionally
- uncommonSeldom occurring or found
- sparseThinly scattered or distributed
seldom · limited · sporadic · exceptional · singular · precious · valuable · elite · esoteric · exclusive
extraordinary
Beyond what's typical
- exceptionalNotably above the norm
- noteworthyMeriting special attention
- outstandingExceptionally good or unpaid
distinguished · phenomenal · striking · impressive · memorable · singular · unprecedented · unparalleled · incomparable · peerless
deviation
Departure from expected path
- aberrationDeviation from the norm
- irregularityDeparture from standard
- outlierDistant data point
exception · inconsistency · divergence · variation · departure · oddity · freak · glitch · quirk · fluke
innovative
Introducing new ideas
groundbreaking · pioneering · unprecedented · creative · cutting-edge · trailblazing · revolutionary · experimental · uncharted · unexplored
- Odditiescuriosity, curio, odd, strange, anomaly
- rarityrare, scarce, uncommon, infrequent, scant
- strangenessodd, weird, strange, bizarre, peculiar
- U-wordsugly, ultimate, ultra, umbrella, unable
- descriptorsnew, novel, original, innovative, modern
- unconventionalunconventional, nontraditional, nonconformist, unorthodox, offbeat
unusualcommon
Widespread and unremarkable
frequent · usual · everyday · commonplace · habitual
unusualnormal
Conforming to standard
ordinary · typical · standard · conventional · expected
unusualunremarkable
Not worthy of comment
unexceptional · plain · nondescript · average · undistinguished
- cruel and unusualExcessively harsh and abnormal
- cruel and unusual punishmentExcessive or barbaric penalty
- unusual activity