atypical

[ ey-tip-i-kuhl ]

adjective

1. not typical; not conforming to the type; irregular; abnormal:

   atypical behavior; a flower atypical of the species.

atypical

/ eɪˈtɪpɪkəl /

adjective

1. not typical; deviating from or not conforming to type

Derived Forms

• aˈtypically, adverb

Other Words From

• atyp·i·cali·ty noun
• a·typi·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of atypical¹

First recorded in 1880–85; a- ⁶ + typical

Example Sentences

Lefty Gunplay, a relentless MC from the atypical rap neighborhood of Baldwin Park, has perhaps the shortest cameo on the record — repeating a four-word outro on the smash hit “tv off” in his trademark rasp.

From Los Angeles Times

On Wednesday night — by no means an atypical one — Russia staged a grueling eight-hour aerial attack on Kyiv, with dozens of drones buzzing overhead and near-constant alerts making sleep nearly impossible.

From Los Angeles Times

Another factor in his atypical career has been the thriving Southern California tennis community, which has nurtured generations of stars from Sampras to the Williams sisters.

From Los Angeles Times

I actually have considerable fondness for “Slaves of New York,” an atypical Merchant Ivory production.

From Salon

It’s a bittersweet if atypical Edwards film, so nice that it was included.

From Salon

Related Words

• abnormal
• anomalous
• divergent
• odd
• peculiar
• strange
• unnatural

More About Atypical

What does atypical mean?

Atypical is used to describe something that does not conform to the norm or that is irregular, such as an atypical behavior or an atypical action.

Something that is atypical differs in a noticeable way from other items of its kind. An atypical flower might be a flower that glows in the dark (if you discover one, let us know!). An atypical horror film could be one in which the monster tries to be friends with everyone rather than kill them.

Example: These fixtures are atypical of our usual products.

Where does atypical come from?

The first records of the term atypical come from around 1880. It combines the prefix a–, which means “not,” with the word typical, which describes something that is of a particular type. Atypical literally means “not typical.”

You’ll likely find atypical in formal contexts. For example, in psychiatry, atypical depression means that the depression can lift temporarily in reaction to a positive event. Atypical depression itself, however, is pretty common. If your cat suddenly doesn’t want to eat or be petted, your vet might call that atypical behavior and would look for a cause.

Did you know … ?

What are some other forms related to atypical?

• atypic (adjective)
• atypicality (noun)
• atypically (adverb)

What are some synonyms for atypical?

• nonconforming
• abnormal
• divergent
• odd
• peculiar

What are some words that share a root or word element with atypical? 

• type
• typical

What are some words that often get used in discussing atypical?

• behavior

• irregular
• normal
• unrepresentative

How is atypical used in real life?

Atypical is normally used in an analysis of something that doesn’t represent the norm.

Just filed to ESPN: Broncos coach John Fox appealing $30,000 fine _ believes replacement officials contributed to atypical behavior. #nfl

— Ed Werder (@WerderEdESPN) September 28, 2012

Why do the #49ers keep hurting themselves? Very atypical behavior.. #STLvsSF #49ers

— Golden Gate Sports (@goldenbaysports) November 2, 2014

Many synesthetes—people whose senses overlap in an atypical way—report seeing the letter B as blue, zero as white, and one as black.

— UberFacts (@UberFacts) August 29, 2016

 

 

Try using atypical!

Which of the following is NOT a synonym for atypical?

A. nonconforming
B. abnormal
C. odd
D. common