highly unorthodox

USAGE SUMMARY

"highly unorthodox" is a correct phrase and can be used in written English.
It means something that goes against traditional or conventional beliefs or practices to a great degree. You can use it when describing someone's behavior, method, or idea that is considered unconventional or unusual. Example: His approach to solving a problem was highly unorthodox, but it ended up being the most effective solution.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Still, Matthew held some highly unorthodox beliefs.

The New York Times - Magazine

Highly unorthodox story lines bind the six films.

The New York Times

Nonetheless this highly unorthodox view is finding some support in the Muslim world.

The New York Times - Arts

Wild dogs give chase; flower pots are put to highly unorthodox uses.

The New York Times - Books

In many respects, he was a highly unorthodox operator in the staid world of Canadian politics.

Independent

He accepts that being invited to attend a police station, rather than being arrested, was highly unorthodox.

The Guardian

Subsequently, the only English playwright who might formally be considered a religious dramatist was of a highly unorthodox kind.

The Guardian

With these kinds of observations to bolster his case, Brown has lately been making a highly unorthodox suggestion.

The New York Times - Magazine

In her conclusion, Zinsser reiterates that "Du Châtelet's unorthodox intellectual pursuits" made for a highly "unorthodox life".

The New York Times

Like Benjamin Cheever, I ran my first New York City Marathon in 1978, and although my number was authentic and my own, my application process was highly unorthodox.

The New York Times

An application from someone so young was highly unorthodox, in that it was widely assumed that you had to be a mature musician even to consider conducting.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "highly unorthodox", ensure the context clearly establishes the conventional or expected norm against which the subject is being compared. This provides a stronger contrast and emphasizes the degree of deviation.

Common error

Avoid using "highly unorthodox" for actions that are merely innovative or slightly different. Reserve it for situations where the deviation is significant and potentially controversial or unexpected.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "highly unorthodox" functions primarily as an adjectival modifier. It intensifies the adjective "unorthodox", indicating a significant departure from established norms or conventions. Ludwig's examples demonstrate this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "highly unorthodox" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that emphasizes a significant deviation from accepted norms. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for written English and carries a neutral to formal tone. While primarily found in News & Media, it also appears in Encyclopedias and Scientific contexts. When using this phrase, make sure the deviation is significant and not merely innovative. Consider alternatives like "very unconventional" or "extremely atypical" to fine-tune the nuance. Always clarify the expected norm against which the subject is being compared for maximum impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

very unconventional

Replaces "unorthodox" with a more common synonym, maintaining the intensity with "very".

extremely atypical

Substitutes both "highly" and "unorthodox" with synonyms emphasizing the deviation from the typical.

remarkably unconventional

Emphasizes the unusual nature but uses a different intensifying adverb.

patently nonconformist

Uses a more formal tone, highlighting a deliberate deviation from accepted standards.

decidedly irregular

Focuses on the lack of adherence to established rules or patterns.

distinctively aberrant

Suggests a deviation that is noticeable and perhaps problematic.

uncommonly bizarre

Shifts the focus to the strangeness or oddity of something.

unusually peculiar

Highlights the odd and eccentric qualities of something.

singularly unconventional

Stresses the uniqueness of the deviation from the norm.

strikingly anomalous

Indicates a clear departure from what is standard or expected.

FAQs

How can I use "highly unorthodox" in a sentence?

You can use "highly unorthodox" to describe methods, behaviors, or ideas that deviate significantly from established norms. For example: "His teaching method was "highly unorthodox", but it yielded impressive results."

What are some alternatives to saying "highly unorthodox"?

Alternatives include "very unconventional", "extremely atypical", or "remarkably unconventional". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "highly unorthodox" a positive or negative description?

The connotation of "highly unorthodox" depends on the context. It can be positive when describing innovation or creativity, or negative when referring to inappropriate or ineffective behavior. It's often used in a neutral, descriptive way.

What's the difference between "unorthodox" and "highly unorthodox"?

While "unorthodox" simply means deviating from the norm, "highly unorthodox" emphasizes the degree of deviation. Something that is "highly unorthodox" is significantly more unconventional or atypical than something that is merely "unorthodox".