unconventional-materials
/ˌʌnkənˈvenʃənəl məˈtɪəriəlz/ IELTSAcademic
noun
Materials that are not usual, traditional, or expected for a purpose. They may be chosen to create a new effect or solve a problem in a different way.
- The artist used unconventional materials in her sculpture.
- They built the shelter from unconventional materials.
- His dress used unconventional materials for a formal event.
Adinary Nuance
Use unconventional materials when the focus is on the kind of stuff used, not the final object itself. It is different from alternative materials, which often means a substitute for the usual choice. It is also different from non-traditional materials, which sounds a little more formal and academic.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- vật liệu không truyền thống
- Spanish
- materiales no convencionales
- Chinese
- 非传统材料
- Japanese
- 非伝統的な素材
- Korean
- 비전통적 재료
Etymology
The word combines Latin-based 'unconventional' with 'materials', from Latin 'materia'. It became common in modern English for things made or done in a non-traditional way.
Common phrases
use unconventional materialsmade from unconventional materialsworking with unconventional materials
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is 'unconventional materials' formal or informal?
- It is neutral to slightly formal. You may see it in academic, design, and business writing.
- How is it different from 'alternative materials'?
- 'Alternative materials' means a substitute choice. 'Unconventional materials' stresses that the material itself is unusual.
- Can I use it in IELTS writing?
- Yes. It fits well in Task 1 and Task 2 when discussing design, technology, or sustainability.