Unnatural Meaning
/ʌnˈnæt͡ʃ.(ə.)ɹəl/Definition, CEFR level B1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
Listen pronunciation
Definition
adjNot natural.
adjNot occurring in nature, the environment or atmosphere
Sentence Examples
Do you feel anything unnatural when you put your teeth together?
It is not unnatural that you should feel anxious about your first flight.
CEFR Practice Quiz
The bright green color of the dog's fur seemed ____ and did not occur in nature.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The bright green color of the water seemed ____, and the scientists were eventually found to be contaminated today.
Word Origin & History
From Middle English unnatural, unnaturel, equivalent to un- + natural.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"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."
— 1859, Ferna Vale, Natalie; or, A Gem Among the Sea-Weeds:
"One mother, when she heard that her daughter intended to take up medicine, retired to her room and wept, bewailing the fact that she had given birth to an "unnatural daughter.""
— 1976 February 14, Janet Cooper, quoting unknown, “DλKE C⚢PER”, in Gay Community News, volume 3, number 33, page 16:
"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."
— 1985 February 2, Tim Broadbent, “Kindred Spirits (review)”, in Gay Community News, volume 12, number 28, page 10:
"Deviants, heretics, pinks, false prophets and other unnaturals will not be spared the rod nor the stark fist of removal."
— 1992 October 21, Paul Harvey, “About this Measure No. 9”, in alt.slack (Usenet):
Explore More B1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The bright green color of the dog's fur seemed ____ and did not occur in nature.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The bright green color of the water seemed ____, and the scientists were eventually found to be contaminated today.