What does unnatural mean?
Unnatural describes something that departs from what is normal, expected, or natural. It is often used for physical behavior that appears strange or artificial, such as an unnatural posture or movement, and for speech, writing, or social behavior that seems forced, affected, or insufficiently spontaneous. The word can also describe a condition that seems to defy ordinary laws of nature, especially in literary or dramatic contexts. Because its negative form combines the prefix un- with natural, it often carries a stronger judgment than the more neutral abnormal: calling a performance unnatural suggests not merely unusualness but a lack of ease or authenticity. Unnatural is common in formal description and everyday criticism, while unnaturally is used to modify verbs and adjectives, as in “she spoke unnaturally calmly.” Its usefulness lies in its ability to distinguish ordinary novelty from behavior or form that feels artificial, strained, or outside the natural order.
Not occurring in accordance with nature, normal development, or ordinary human behavior; artificial, affected, or forced.
"The building's unnatural shape gives it an almost forbidding appearance."
The adjective is the word's principal form. It can describe physical characteristics, behavior, speech, writing, and circumstances.
In an unnatural manner; artificially, abnormally, or with a lack of natural ease.
"She remained unnaturally calm throughout the interrogation."
The adverb is less common than the adjective and often intensifies a description of manner or degree.
Unnatural does not merely mean unusual: it often carries the sharper implication that something is artificial, forced, or out of keeping with nature.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does unnatural come from?
Unnatural was formed in English during the early modern period by combining the negative prefix un- with natural. Natural comes through Old French natural from Latin naturalis, which was derived from natura, meaning “birth,” “origin,” or “nature”; natura in turn came from the Latin verb nasci, meaning “to be born.” Related words in other European languages include French naturel, Italian naturale, and Spanish natural.
Related word forms
How unnatural is actually used
The word is neutral to formal in register and is common in everyday description as well as literary criticism. It may sound more judgmental than abnormal because it can imply that something is false, forced, or lacking authenticity. There is no major regional difference in usage.