unaccustomed

Everyday

1. Unaccustomed to something means not used to it, because you have not done it or felt it often: «unaccustomed to the cold». tree →
2. (formal) Unaccustomed also means unusual or not normal for someone: «He spoke with unaccustomed anger.» tree →

In the lessons

In stories, the word shows a character in a new place or situation, struggling a little: a city child unaccustomed to farm life. In everyday speech people more often say «not used to». Phrases: «unaccustomed to», «with unaccustomed ...».

Examples

• The children from Florida were unaccustomed to snow. tree →
• Unaccustomed to waking so early, Leo yawned all morning. tree →
• My eyes were unaccustomed to the dark cave. tree →
• Gran, unaccustomed to phones, pressed every button. tree →
• She spoke with unaccustomed sharpness, so we knew she was upset. tree →
• Being unaccustomed to the heat, the visitors stayed in the shade. tree →
• After a while, however, he got tired of walking in this unaccustomed way—it made his back ache and his front paws felt sore. tree →

Note

Usually followed by «to» + noun or «-ing»: «unaccustomed to walking», not «to walk». Spelt with «cc»: un-ac-CUS-tomed. Opposite: accustomed (used to). It sounds more formal than «not used to».