WordGarden.io
Back to search

untypical

C2
adjective

Pronunciation

UK

  • /ʌntˈɪpɪkəl/

US

  • /ənˈtɪpɪkəl/

Description

If most cats are aloof and independent, a cat that constantly begs for cuddles could be described as untypical. It means not fitting what is usual, normal, or expected. Typical things follow a pattern; untypical things do not. You might describe a warm winter day as untypical, or a person acting in a way that is very different from their usual behavior. The word is understandable, but in everyday English, people often choose "atypical" or "unusual" instead.

Examples

  1. 1

    Local architecture

    The house is untypical of the area, with its flat roof and large glass windows.

    • Pattern

      untypical of + place/group

      not what is usual there or in that group

  2. 2

    Personal behavior

    It was untypical for Maya to arrive late, so I knew something was wrong.

    • Pattern

      untypical for + person + to do something

      not usual behavior for them

  3. 3

    Research limits

    The report focuses on an untypical case, so the results may not apply to everyone.

See also

adjectivenot typical or not representative of the usual kind

Similar

Shades of meaning

Contrast

Used with (collocations)

  • untypical behavior
  • untypical of
  • highly untypical

Word family

  • untypically
  • typicality

Explore

Forms and spellings

1 form open this card.

Main spelling

  • untypicaladjective