u-n-u-s-u-a-l
UNUSUAL means not ordinary, common, or normal; remarkably different from what is expected or typically encountered. The word comes from the prefix "un-" meaning "not" plus "usual" meaning "customary." In word games, UNUSUAL is valuable as a 7-letter word that can earn the 50-point bingo bonus, worth 7 base points in Scrabble.
7
Points in Scrabble
Base tile values • No multipliers applied
UNUSUAL describes something that deviates from the norm, stands out from the ordinary, or occurs infrequently. It characterizes objects, events, behaviors, or phenomena that are remarkable, distinctive, or different from what is typically expected in a given context. The word carries a neutral connotation—something unusual can be positively unique or negatively aberrant, depending on the situation.
The concept of "unusual" is inherently relative and context-dependent. What seems unusual in one culture, time period, or situation may be perfectly normal in another. For instance, certain foods might be unusual in one region but commonplace in another, or behaviors that were unusual in previous generations might be normal today. This relativity makes "unusual" a dynamic and contextually sensitive descriptor.
In psychological and social contexts, unusual phenomena often capture attention and interest because human brains are naturally wired to notice patterns and deviations from those patterns. This attention to the unusual serves adaptive functions, helping individuals identify potential opportunities, threats, or important changes in their environment. The unusual often becomes memorable, influential, and worthy of investigation.
The word unusual is formed by combining the prefix "un-" (meaning "not") with "usual," creating a straightforward negation. "Usual" derives from the Late Latin "usualis," meaning "of or pertaining to use," which comes from "usus" (use, practice, custom). The Latin "usus" is the past participle of "uti," meaning "to use."
The word "usual" entered Middle English via Old French "usuel" in the 14th century, carrying the meaning of "customary" or "according to common practice." The addition of the "un-" prefix to form "unusual" occurred naturally as speakers needed to express the opposite concept. This process reflects the productive nature of English prefix system, where "un-" can be attached to many adjectives to create their negatives.
The semantic development from "use" to "custom" to "ordinary" illustrates how language evolves from concrete actions to abstract concepts. What people commonly use becomes what is customary, and what is customary becomes what is normal or usual. The unusual, therefore, represents a departure from established patterns of use and behavior.
In descriptive writing and speech, "unusual" helps identify distinctive characteristics that set something apart. This usage is common in journalism, scientific writing, and everyday conversation when highlighting notable features or anomalies that deserve attention or explanation.
In scientific contexts, "unusual" often signals phenomena that don't fit established patterns or theories, potentially indicating new discoveries or requiring further investigation. Scientists use this term to flag observations that might challenge existing understanding or reveal new insights.
Socially, "unusual" can describe behaviors, customs, or appearances that deviate from cultural norms. This usage requires sensitivity, as labeling something as unusual can sometimes reflect cultural bias or limited perspective rather than objective assessment.
The unusual is always defined relative to a baseline of normalcy, which varies by culture, time period, profession, and individual experience. What's unusual for one person may be routine for another, making context crucial for understanding this concept.
The unusual has always fascinated human culture, from ancient myths about extraordinary beings to modern entertainment focused on the bizarre and exceptional. Television shows, books, and films often center on unusual circumstances, characters, or phenomena because they naturally engage audience interest and curiosity.
In creative fields, the unusual is often valued and sought after. Artists, writers, inventors, and entrepreneurs frequently strive to create something unusual—different from existing offerings—to capture attention, express originality, or solve problems in novel ways.
In the age of social media, unusual content often goes viral because it stands out in crowded feeds. The pursuit of unusual experiences, appearances, or achievements has become a way to gain attention and build personal brands online.
•UNUSUAL is a 7-letter word that qualifies for the valuable 50-point bingo bonus in Scrabble
•The human brain is specifically wired to notice unusual patterns—a survival mechanism called "novelty detection"
•UNUSUAL contains three U's, making it memorable and distinctive in word games
•Psychologists have found that people remember unusual events much better than ordinary ones—called the "von Restorff effect"
"The scientist noticed an unusual pattern in the data that contradicted established theories."
— Scientific context
"Her unusual approach to problem-solving impressed the entire team."
— Workplace context
"Playing UNUSUAL across a triple word score with the bingo bonus earned me 101 points!"
— Word game context
"It's unusual for him to be late—he's normally very punctual."
— Everyday conversation
Similar length and difficulty words
Total base points: 7 (Scrabble)
Vowels: 4 (U, U, U, A) | Consonants: 3 (N, S, L)
Bingo potential: 7-letter word qualifies for 50-point bonus
Pattern: VCVCVCV (Vowel-Consonant-Vowel-Consonant-Vowel-Consonant-Vowel)
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