What does unnaturally mean?
Unnaturally is an adverb meaning “in a way that is not natural.” It can describe behaviour that seems artificial, forced, exaggerated, or inconsistent with what would be expected. For example, a person may speak or laugh unnaturally when their manner seems awkward, affected, or deceptive, while a colour might be described as unnaturally bright when it is more vivid than is ordinary. The word is also used before adjectives to indicate excessive intensity, as in “unnaturally calm” or “unnaturally fast.” Its connotation is generally negative or mildly critical: it suggests that something is so unusual, exaggerated, or carefully performed that it attracts attention. Nevertheless, the judgement depends on context and may be deliberate rather than hostile. Because it can modify both verbs and adjectives, unnaturally is especially useful for describing manner and degree without requiring a more specific synonym.
adverbIn a way that is artificial, forced, excessive, or contrary to what is considered natural.
- In an artificial, forced, or otherwise unnatural manner.
- To an excessive or implausible degree.
"She spoke so unnaturally that everyone at the table immediately suspected she was lying."
"The actor's unnaturally cheerful expression made the scene difficult to watch."
"The flowers had been dyed an unnaturally vivid blue."
Unnaturally is the word for behaviour that feels a little too polished, too stiff, or too perfect to be believable.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does unnaturally come from?
Unnaturally is an English formation made by adding the adverbial suffix -ly to unnatural. Unnatural itself combines the prefix un- with natural, which comes through Old French from Latin naturalis, meaning “of or according to nature.” The same Latin root appears in nature, naturally, and naturalness.
How unnaturally is actually used
The word is neutral in tone but often carries a faintly critical or disapproving connotation, suggesting behaviour that is affected, exaggerated, or difficult to believe. It is especially common when describing speech, movement, appearance, or emotional reactions.
Easily confused with unnaturally
Unnatural is an adjective describing something artificial or contrary to nature, whereas unnaturally is an adverb describing the manner or degree of an action or quality.