unusual

Alternative forms

• unusuall (obsolete)

Etymology

un- +‎ usual

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ʌnˈjuːʒuəl/, /ʌnˈjuːʒəl/

• Audio (US)

  (file)

Adjective

unusual (comparative more unusual, superlative most unusual)

1. Unlike what is expected; differing in some way from the norm.
   • 1898, Winston Churchill, chapter 2, in The Celebrity:

     I had occasion […] to make a somewhat long business trip to Chicago, and on my return […] I found Farrar awaiting me in the railway station. He smiled his wonted fraction by way of greeting, […], and finally leading me to his buggy, turned and drove out of town. I was completely mystified at such an unusual proceeding.

   His behavior was unusual in that it was considered childish for a man of his age.

2. Not usual.

Noun

unusual (plural unusuals)

1. Something that is unusual; an anomaly.
   • Arthur Conan Doyle

     I should say that it was very unusual for such men to leave a bottle half empty. How do all these unusuals strike you, Watson?

   • 1939, Pauline Redmond, ‎Wilfrid Redmond, Business paper writing, a career (page 154)

     Two of these unusuals have been selected for special effort throughout the season. They are kneeling pads and water-proof garden gloves. During the bulb planting season they are displayed with the bulbs […]