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Unnatural Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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unnatural

[ˌʌnˈnætʃərəl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

behavior

Not conforming to the usual or natural way of behaving. Synonyms include artificial, affected, and contrived.

Synonyms

affected, artificial, contrived.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
unnatural

Used to describe something that does not seem normal or is against nature. Often has a negative connotation.

  • The bright purple color of the drink seemed unnatural.
  • Her behavior towards the animals felt completely unnatural.
artificial

Refers to something made by humans rather than occurring naturally, often implying it lacks the quality of the natural version.

  • The artificial flowers were pretty but didn’t have the same charm as real ones.
  • He preferred real wood furniture over artificial materials.
affected

Indicates behavior or style that is pretentious or designed to impress others. It has a negative connotation.

  • His laughter was affected and didn’t seem genuine.
  • She spoke with an affected British accent to sound more sophisticated.
contrived

Describes something deliberately created rather than arising naturally or spontaneously. Often used to express that something seems forced or overly planned.

  • The plot of the film felt contrived and predictable.
  • His surprise party seemed contrived, as if everyone knew about it beforehand.

Examples of usage

  • Her smile seemed forced and unnatural.
  • His movements were stiff and unnatural.
  • The actor's performance felt unnatural to the audience.
Context #2 | Adjective

environment

Not existing in nature or created by humans. Synonyms include man-made, synthetic, and fabricated.

Synonyms

fabricated, man-made, synthetic.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
unnatural

Used to describe something that goes against what is normal in nature. It can have a negative connotation.

  • The bright green color of the river seemed unnatural
  • His smile felt forced and unnatural
man-made

Refers to objects or things that are made by humans rather than occurring naturally. Used in a neutral or factual context.

  • The lake is man-made, not a natural formation
  • Man-made satellites orbit the Earth
synthetic

Describes materials or substances created through chemical processes, rather than found naturally. Often used in science or industry.

  • Synthetic fabrics like nylon and polyester are very popular
  • This medicine is a synthetic version of a natural compound
fabricated

Often used when something is made up or false. It can refer to both physical objects and abstract concepts, usually with a negative connotation.

  • The story she told the police was completely fabricated
  • The criminal provided fabricated evidence to mislead the investigation

Examples of usage

  • The plastic flowers looked unnatural in the garden.
  • The artificial turf felt unnatural beneath their feet.
Context #3 | Adverb

manner

In a way that is not natural or usual. Synonyms include unnaturally, artificially, and awkwardly.

Synonyms

artificially, awkwardly, unnaturally.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
unnatural

Use 'unnatural' to describe something that does not follow the normal or expected way, often giving a sense of discomfort or wrongness.

  • Her smile looked unnatural, as if she was hiding her true feelings.
  • The color of the sky in the painting seemed very unnatural.
unnaturally

Use 'unnaturally' to describe actions, behaviors, or phenomena that deviate from what is considered normal or natural, often in a way that seems forced or strange.

  • His laughter sounded unnaturally loud in the quiet room.
  • She unnaturally forced herself to stay calm despite the chaos around her.
artificially

Apply 'artificially' when referring to something made or produced by human beings rather than occurring naturally, often implying a lack of authenticity.

  • The lake was artificially created for recreational purposes.
  • The flowers in the vase look beautiful, but they are unfortunately artificially arranged.
awkwardly

Use 'awkwardly' to describe actions or movements lacking grace, ease, or coordination, or social situations that feel uncomfortable.

  • He stood awkwardly in the corner, unsure of how to join the conversation.
  • She awkwardly tripped over the rug in front of everyone.

Examples of usage

  • She smiled unnaturally when she saw him.
  • He moved his arm unnaturally to reach the top shelf.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • In literature, 'unnatural' themes often explore human experiences that deviate from the expected, like robots that exhibit emotions.
  • Works by authors such as Mary Shelley in 'Frankenstein' depict how unnatural creations can lead to moral dilemmas.

Psychology

  • In psychology, the feeling of something being unnatural can lead to discomfort or unease, often linked to unfamiliarity.
  • Studies suggest that humans may have an innate preference for natural environments and react negatively to unnatural stimuli.

Art

  • In modern art, 'unnatural' elements are often embraced to challenge viewers' perceptions of reality and provoke thought.
  • Artists like Salvador Dali have used unnatural imagery to explore dreams and subconscious thoughts, pushing the boundaries of reality.

Pop Culture

  • The concept of 'unnatural' often appears in horror films, where twisted versions of reality create tension and fear.
  • Characters like vampires or werewolves represent the union of human traits with unnatural abilities, challenging the norm.

Origin of 'unnatural'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'unnaturalis', which means not natural or not in its natural state.
  • It combines 'un-', a prefix meaning 'not', with 'natural', which relates to nature and the way things normally are.

The word 'unnatural' originated from the combination of the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' and the word 'natural' which comes from the Latin word 'naturalis'. It has been used in the English language since the 14th century to describe something that is not in accordance with the laws of nature or usual behavior.

See also: naturalism, naturalist, naturalistic, naturalize, naturalness, supernatural, unnaturally.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #9,351 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.