Origin: Latin
suffix -al
Unnatural has 4 different meanings across 1 category:
Adjective
Adjective
1
not in accordance with or determined by nature; contrary to nature
"an unnatural death"
"the child's unnatural interest in death"
2
not normal; not typical or usual or regular or conforming to a norm
"abnormal powers of concentration"
"abnormal amounts of rain"
"abnormal circumstances"
"an abnormal interest in food"
3
speaking or behaving in an artificial way to make an impression
"He tried so hard to sound confident at the interview that his speech felt completely unnatural."
4
Not natural.
"The smooth, plastic-looking skin on her face made her smile seem entirely unnatural."
Example Sentences
"an unnatural death"
adjective
"the child's unnatural interest in death"
adjective
"abnormal powers of concentration"
adjective
"abnormal amounts of rain"
adjective
"abnormal circumstances"
adjective
"an abnormal interest in food"
adjective
Related Terms
Show all 40 terms ↓
Origin
This word comes from Middle English, where it was formed by adding the prefix un- to natural. It originally meant not being in accordance with nature or normal behavior.