What does unaccustomed mean?
Unaccustomed means not familiar or used to something, and it can also describe conditions, sights, or experiences that are unusual rather than ordinary. In the first sense, a person is unaccustomed to a place, situation, or practice: “She was unaccustomed to being the centre of attention.” Here the word suggests a lack of familiarity or prior experience. In the second sense, it characterizes an unusual environment or event: “The town was unaccustomed to crowds of that size.” The adjective is common in formal and literary English and is often more restrained than everyday alternatives such as “new to” or “not used to.” It is also more specific than the broad word “unusual,” because it can focus on a person’s lack of preparation or on disruption of familiar patterns. Its usefulness lies in that double perspective: it may describe either someone encountering an unfamiliar situation or something happening where it is not normally expected.
adjectiveNot accustomed or used to a particular situation, place, or experience. It can also mean unusual, atypical, or not normally encountered.
- Not accustomed or used to a particular situation, place, or experience.
- Not usual, typical, or expected.
"The veteran diplomat was unaccustomed to such direct questioning."
"The team was unaccustomed to playing in such intense heat."
"The empty square was unaccustomed to the sound of early-morning crowds."
Unaccustomed can describe both a person meeting something new and a place where the unexpected has suddenly arrived.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does unaccustomed come from?
The modern adjective was formed in English by adding the negative prefix un- to accustomed, with the prefixed use established during the early modern period. Accustomed comes through Old French accoustumer from Latin accustomare, “to make accustomed,” a verb associated with consuetudo, the Latin word for custom or habit. Custom, costume, accustom, and accustomed therefore belong to the same broad etymological family.
How unaccustomed is actually used
The word is common in formal and literary English and is often more restrained than informal alternatives such as “new to” or “not used to.” When describing a person's lack of familiarity, it is usually followed by “to”; before a noun, it more often describes atypical conditions or surroundings.
Easily confused with unaccustomed
Unaccustomed means not familiar with or not used to something, whereas accustomed means familiar with or practiced in it.