unconventional
un-kuhn-VEN-shuh-nl
/ˌʌnkənˈvenʃənl/
Not based on or conforming to what is generally done or believed.
Often has a positive connotation of being creative or original.
The story behind the word. From 'convention', which literally means 'a coming together'. Unconventional means not coming together with the rest of the group's standards.
Word relationships
- orthodox: Orthodox is the opposite; it means following traditional rules.
- conventional: Following traditional or standard ways of doing things.
Commonly confused with
- eccentric: Eccentric usually refers to a person's strange behavior; unconventional refers to methods or ideas.
Word family
- convention (noun): A way in which something is usually done.
Collocations
- unconventional methods
- unconventional wisdom
- unconventional approach
Example sentences
- "The artist used unconventional materials like recycled plastic and scrap metal to create her sculptures." Art
- "The startup's unconventional marketing strategy helped it gain a massive following overnight." Business
Memory hook
Un-Conventional: Not going to the 'Convention' where everyone else is. Breaking the mold.
When not to use
Don't use it for things that are just 'wrong' or 'broken'; use it for things that work but in a different way.
Fun facts
- The phrase 'unconventional wisdom' refers to ideas that go against what most people believe to be true.
Explore more words
unorthodox, maverick, nonconformist, iconoclastic, propriety, unconstrained
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