What does "unnatural" mean?
One who is unnatural, against nature, perverse.
Unnatural
/ʌnˈnæt͡ʃ(ə)ɹəl/ adj, noun
adj, noun ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: One who is unnatural, against nature, perverse.
- Grammar: unnatural is listed as adj, noun.
- Nearest alternatives: aberrant, abnormal, abnormal, affected.
- Useful contrasts: natural, connatural, ecologic.
- Usage evidence: Do you feel anything unnatural when you put your teeth together?
How to use "unnatural"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "unnatural" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "unnatural" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "unnatural" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "unnatural" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "unnatural" is acting as adj, noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "aberrant" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
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Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "unnatural", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 One who is unnatural, against nature, perverse. derogatory
"In the so-called "golden era" of science fiction, gay/lesbian characters were treated as misfits, sociopaths, villains and "unnaturals" to be pitied and scorned. Gay characters were virtually all weak, effeminate snivelers out to harm the heroes of the story. Lesbians were invariably portrayed as massive, muscular Amazons with sadistic tendencies."
Adjective
- 1 Not natural.
- 2 Not occurring in nature, the environment or atmosphere
- 3 Going against nature; perverse.
"Time wore heavily on with Winnie Santon, after Natalie had left them. Left as she was, much in her unnatural mother's society, who seemed to be never more pleased than when she might thwart her designs, or, in some manner act so as to make those about her uncomfortable, it was not to be wondered at, if she did sigh for other days, and a confidant, to whom she might unburden her heart."
Adjective
- 1 speaking or behaving in an artificial way to make an impression wordnet
- 2 not in accordance with or determined by nature; contrary to nature wordnet
- 3 not normal; not typical or usual or regular or conforming to a norm wordnet
Antonyms
Example
"Do you feel anything unnatural when you put your teeth together?"
Common questions
What is a synonym for "unnatural"?
Common synonyms include: aberrant, abnormal, abnormal, affected, affected, amorphous.
How do you use "unnatural" in a sentence?
Do you feel anything unnatural when you put your teeth together?
How do you pronounce "unnatural"?
Pronounced /ʌnˈnæt͡ʃ(ə)ɹəl/.
Etymology
From Middle English unnatural, unnaturel, equivalent to un- + natural.