unorthodox

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "unorthodox" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that is not conventional or traditional. For example: "The athlete's training methods are quite unorthodox."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Hungary has approved new and higher taxes on soap, alcohol, advertising and supermarkets, the latest in a series of unorthodox levies put forward by the prime minister, Viktor Orbán.

The Guardian

Zaha, raw and unorthodox, often found two defenders doubling up on him.

The Guardian - Sport

Most recipes add the syrup as soon as or shortly after the pastries come out of the oven, so it can be absorbed as they cool, but Roden shares a highly "unorthodox secret trick" of her aunt Latifa's – she returns the syrupy baklava to the oven for five minutes, explaining that "the pastry made this way is among the best I have eaten".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

You need to identify what would help you, no matter how unorthodox, and explain it to whoever can help.

The Guardian

Pietersen, Gayle and Sehwag have controlled every format with the same unorthodox force.

The Guardian - Sport

They've had to modify their design, re-think their market and discover ways to fund their unorthodox technology company.

The Guardian

Does the inclusion of Kim K seem a little unorthodox?

The Guardian

What is clear, however, is that the six-term white senator's path to victory was as slim as his campaign was unorthodox, leaving him less than 5,000 votes ahead out of around 360,000 ballots cast.

The Guardian

Surely, Antony, such a lengthy, unorthodox apprenticeship should be celebrated?

The Guardian - Music

The leak from Almunia's office was seen by some analysts as unorthodox – no public announcement is usually made until a decision has been agreed.

The Guardian

Pixar's later films, by contrast, have been marvels of unfettered imagination, so unorthodox in their conception alone that they would never have got past the drawing board stage in 1995.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "unorthodox" to describe methods, approaches, or ideas that deviate from established norms, but ensure the context makes clear whether this deviation is positive or negative. The term itself is neutral, but its connotation can shift based on surrounding information.

Common error

Avoid using "unorthodox" solely as a positive descriptor. While it can suggest innovation, it may also imply impracticality or incompetence if the deviation from norms is not justified by results or rationale.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "unorthodox" primarily functions to modify nouns, describing them as deviating from conventional or established norms. This is supported by Ludwig AI, which confirms its correct usage in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "unorthodox" is a versatile adjective used to describe something that deviates from established norms or conventional practices. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, and the examples show its frequent appearance in diverse contexts such as news, business, and science. While "unorthodox" is often neutral, its connotation can be positive (implying innovation) or negative (implying impracticality), depending on the context. Related terms include "unconventional" and "atypical". When using "unorthodox", it's important to ensure that the deviation from norms is clear and that the context indicates whether this deviation is justified or beneficial.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unconventional

Focuses on not conforming to usual practices or customs.

unusual

A general term for something not commonly encountered.

atypical

Stresses a departure from the typical or representative.

heterodox

Describes not conforming to established doctrines or beliefs.

uncommon

Highlights the infrequency or rarity of something.

nonconformist

Highlights the refusal to conform to accepted standards.

irregular

Emphasizes the lack of a fixed pattern or normal state.

idiosyncratic

Focuses on unique personal habits or characteristics.

eccentric

Implies a slightly strange or unusual quality.

maverick

Refers to an independent-minded person.

FAQs

How can I use "unorthodox" in a sentence?

You can use "unorthodox" to describe something that deviates from the norm. For example, "The chef's "unorthodox" approach to cooking resulted in surprisingly delicious dishes."

What are some synonyms for "unorthodox"?

Alternatives to "unorthodox" include "unconventional", "atypical", or "unusual". The best choice depends on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "unorthodox"?

"Unorthodox" is appropriate when you want to emphasize that something diverges from established or traditional methods. Ensure that the context clarifies whether this divergence is viewed positively or negatively.

What is the difference between "unorthodox" and "eccentric"?

"Unorthodox" generally refers to deviations from established methods or norms, while "eccentric" often describes peculiar or unconventional behavior. While related, "eccentric" tends to focus more on individual quirks.