unconventional

Unconventional is an adjective describing something that does not conform to conventional norms, practices, or expectations. It often signals originality or nontraditional methods, but can also denote deviation from social expectations. The term derives from the prefix un- meaning "not" and from conventional, which itself comes from historical usage related to established practice or custom.

In usage, unconventional approaches are common in fields that reward innovation, such as art, design, entrepreneurship, and science. They may involve novel techniques, risk-taking, or reframing problems. However, unconventional ideas can be controversial or risky, and effectiveness is typically judged by outcomes and evidence rather than novelty alone.

The term appears in compound forms: unconventional warfare, unconventional farming, unconventional medicine, or an unconventional career path. Related terms include nontraditional, nonconformist, avant-garde, and unorthodox, while conventional, traditional, and orthodox are its opposites.