unusual different from what usually happens:
We had snow in May, which is very unusual.rare not happening very often, or existing only in small numbers:
Violent crimes are rare. Hatton gathered many rare plants from all over the world.exceptional /ɪkˈsepʃ
ənəl/ very unusual and happening very rarely:
90-day visas can be extended only in exceptional circumstances. The presence of a jury in a civil trial is now quite exceptional.out of the ordinary unusual and surprising or special:
It was a small village where nothing out of the ordinary ever seemed to happen.freak extremely unusual and unexpected - used about an accident, storm etc:
A freak wave wrecked most of the seafront. Their car was crushed by a tree in a freak accident.unprecedented /ʌnˈpresədentəd, ʌnˈpresɪdentəd/ if something is unprecedented, it has never happened before - often used about successes and achievements:
An unprecedented number of students have received top grades. This kind of deal is unprecedented.unheard of if something is unheard of, it has never happened or been done before - used especially when something seems very surprising to people at that time:
In our small town, this kind of crime was almost unheard of. unheard-of luxuries such as electric windows and air-conditioningeccentric behaving in a way that seems rather strange but not frightening:
The house was owned by an eccentric millionaire. eccentric behaviourunconventional very different from the way people usually behave, think, dress etc, often in a way that seems interesting:
His parents had a rather unconventional lifestyle, and let their children do whatever they pleased. His approach to business may seem unconventional, but he certainly gets results.unorthodox unorthodox ideas or methods are different from the usual ones, and therefore seem surprising to many people:
He is known for his unorthodox political views. unorthodox teaching methods [TahlilGaran] English Thesaurus ▲
out of the ordinary adj. phr. Outside or beyond common experience; unusual; wonderful; extraordinary.
The parade will be something out of the ordinary because a real king will be there. This juggler was out of the ordinary because he could juggle with his feet as well as his hands. [TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲