What Is Another Way to Say “Not Normal”?

Looking for synonyms for not normal? We’ve got you covered!

Here’s a list of other ways to say not normal.

  • Abnormal
  • Unusual
  • Atypical
  • Irregular
  • Anomalous
  • Unconventional
  • Nonstandard
  • Out of the ordinary
  • Uncommon
  • Deviant

Want to learn how to say not normal professionally? Keep reading for examples and use cases.

1. Abnormal

Used to describe something that is significantly different from what is typical or usual, often implying a negative connotation.
Example: “The abnormal decline in sales this quarter is a cause for concern.”

2. Unusual

Appropriate for situations or occurrences that are rare or not typical, but not necessarily negative.
Example: “It’s unusual for him to miss a deadline, so there must be a significant reason.”

3. Atypical

Used when something deviates from what is standard, usual, or expected, often in a neutral context.
Example: “Her approach to solving the problem was atypical but very effective.”

4. Irregular

Suitable for describing actions, patterns, or occurrences that do not follow the usual rules or patterns.
Example: “We’ve noticed some irregular patterns in the network traffic that could indicate a security breach.”

5. Anomalous

Used to describe something that is different from what is standard, normal, or expected, often implying an outlier.
Example: “The data from the last quarter appears anomalous and warrants further investigation.”

6. Unconventional

Appropriate for methods, ideas, or approaches that are not based on traditional norms or practices.
Example: “His unconventional management style has surprisingly led to a highly productive team.”

7. Nonstandard

Used to describe something that does not conform to the established or usual standards or norms.
Example: “The project used nonstandard procedures to achieve its innovative results.”

8. Out of the Ordinary

Suitable for situations or occurrences that are unusual or unexpected.
Example: “The CEO’s out of the ordinary decision to involve junior staff in decision-making was well received.”

9. Uncommon

Used for occurrences, situations, or characteristics that are rare or not usual.
Example: “It is uncommon for this software to experience such errors, so we should investigate immediately.”

10. Deviant

Appropriate for describing behavior or actions that deviate sharply from the accepted norms.
Example: “The company faced criticism for its deviant practices in handling customer data.”

Linda Brown