Nonconventional

Nonconventional is an adjective used to describe methods, practices, or objects that do not conform to established standards, norms, or mainstream approaches. It signals deviation from what is considered conventional or typical within a given context. The term is widely applicable across disciplines, including science, policy, industry, and culture, where it helps distinguish newer, alternative, or atypical options from traditional ones.

Etymology and usage notes

The word is formed from non- plus conventional. It has been in use since the 19th century, and in some fields it is preferred over unconventional or atypical. In practice, nonconventional can carry a neutral, descriptive sense or a subtle evaluative nuance depending on the audience and field. In certain domains, however, it may imply a deliberate departure from accepted methods rather than a simple difference.

Contexts and examples

In energy policy, nonconventional energy sources refer to technologies outside traditional fossil fuels, such as solar, wind, geothermal, and certain bioenergy options. The term is also used for resources described as nonconventional oil and gas, including shale and tight formations that require advanced extraction techniques. In medicine, nonconventional medicine denotes practices outside mainstream Western medicine, often encompassing traditional, complementary, or alternative therapies; the term is increasingly supplemented or replaced by phrases like complementary and integrative medicine as evidence standards evolve. In other fields, nonconventional approaches can describe innovative or unconventional problem-solving, design, or research methods that challenge standard workflows or assumptions.

See also

Conventional, unconventional, unconventionality. The choice between terms often reflects field-specific conventions and evolving standards of evidence and practice.