unüblich

Unüblich is a German adjective meaning not usual, unusual, or uncommon. It describes something that deviates from what is typical, expected, or customary, and it can apply to actions, events, or characteristics. The term is used in both formal written language and everyday speech.

Etymology and usage notes: Unüblich is formed from the negating prefix un- attached to üblich, which means customary or usual. The combination conveys a lack of conformity with standard practice or expectation. It can describe frequency, manner, or occurrence, and it often carries a neutral to slightly formal tone.

Grammar and examples: In attributive position, the ending of unüblich changes with gender, number, case, and article. For example, ein unüblicher Fehler (masculine nominative), eine unübliche Vorgehensweise (feminine nominative), ein unübliches Verhalten (neuter nominative), unübliche Gewohnheiten (plural, no article). With definite articles or der-words, the endings are weaker: der unübliche Fehler, die unübliche Vorgehensweise, das unübliche Verhalten. In predicative use after sein, unüblich remains unchanged: Es ist unüblich.

Synonyms and nuance: Common synonyms include ungewöhnlich, selten, atypisch. Antonyms are gewöhnlich and üblich. While unüblich emphasizes deviation from the norm, ungewöhnlich often conveys a sense of novelty or surprise, and selten highlights rarity.

See also:üblich, gewöhnlich, ungewöhnlich. Usage tends to be formal or precise, suitable for descriptive or analytical writing about behavior, procedures, or phenomena that do not conform to expected norms.

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