unwonted

[ uhn-wawn-tid, -wohn-, -wuhn- ]

adjective

1. not customary or usual; rare:

   unwonted kindness.

2. Archaic. unaccustomed or unused.

unwonted

/ ʌnˈwəʊntɪd /

adjective

1. out of the ordinary; unusual
2. archaic.
   usually foll by to unaccustomed; unused

Derived Forms

• unˈwontedly, adverb
• unˈwontedness, noun

Other Words From

• un·wonted·ly adverb
• un·wonted·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of unwonted¹

First recorded in 1545–55; un- ¹ + wonted

Example Sentences

As she spoke, Lucy turned crimson, though it was only momentarily, for her poor wasted veins could not stand for long such an unwonted drain to the head.

From Literature

Her occupation, suspended by Mr. Rochester’s announcement, seemed now forgotten: her eyes, fixed on the blank wall opposite, expressed the surprise of a quiet mind stirred by unwonted tidings.

From Literature

In the unwonted quiet we all wondered apprehensively what would happen next.

From Literature

Some sequences verge on a romp, and the result, though far from Lanthimos’s usual territory, could well bring him an unwonted commercial success.

From The New Yorker

It shows in the hard edges of her can-do personality, on guard against unwonted sentimentality and unneeded calories, sidestepping leery co-workers with a breezy smile.

From New York Times