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unconventional

un-kun-VEN-shuh-nul /ˌʌn.kənˈven.ʃən.əl/

adjectiveB2GRETOEFLIELTS

generalacademic

Not based on or conforming to what is generally done or accepted.

Suggests originality, creativity, or stepping outside traditional bounds, often with positive or intriguing tone.

The story behind the word. From Latin 'convenire' meaning 'to assemble or agree upon'. A 'convention' was an agreed-upon standard. Adding 'un-' creates a word for someone or something that ignores standard agreement.

Word relationships

unorthodox: Unorthodox carries stronger religious or doctrinal undertones of defying doctrine, whereas unconventional applies broadly to habits or styles.
eccentric: Eccentric suggests strange personal behavior, whereas unconventional refers to non-standard methods or setups.

conventional: Conventional follows standard practices and traditional social expectations.
traditional: Traditional relies on established historical patterns.

Commonly confused with

unusual: Unusual means rare, while unconventional means deliberately violating standard custom.

Word family

unconventionally (adverb): In a non-traditional way.
convention (noun): An established custom or accepted rule.

Collocations

unconventional method
unconventional wisdom
unconventional background

Idioms & expressions

think outside the box
march to the beat of a different drum

Example sentences

"Her unconventional approach to teaching history through theatrical reenactments kept students deeply engaged." Teaching Styles

Memory hook

UN-CONVENTIONAL: Not going to the standard CONVENTION. Breaking standard tradition.

When not to use

Do not confuse with 'illegal' or 'immoral'; it simply means non-traditional.

Fun facts

Many Nobel laureates credit their success to unconventional early educations that encouraged divergent thinking.