Definition

Noun: 1. The quality of being unnatural or not based on natural principles: This refers to something that appears artificial, forced, or contrary to the normal, expected, or spontaneous order of things. 2. The quality of being affected, artificial, or lacking in sincerity: This describes behavior, speech, or appearance that seems contrived, insincere, or not genuine. 3. The quality of being strange, bizarre, or monstrous: This sense refers to something that is shockingly abnormal, deviant, or horrifying in its departure from nature.

Examples of Usage

• Referring to artificiality or contrivance:
  • The unnaturalness of the dialogue made the movie difficult to watch.
  • Her smile had a certain unnaturalness, as if she were forcing it.
• Referring to bizarre or monstrous qualities:
  • The unnaturalness of the crime horrified the entire community.
  • Scientists were puzzled by the unnaturalness of the creature's anatomy.

Advanced Usage

• "with an air of unnaturalness": used to describe a manner or atmosphere that feels forced or artificial.
  • The celebration continued, but with an air of unnaturalness after the bad news.
• In literary or philosophical contexts, unnaturalness can be contrasted with "the natural order" to discuss themes of morality, humanity, or the environment.

Variants and Related Words

• Unnatural (adj): Not natural; artificial, affected, or monstrous.
  • He spoke in an unnatural tone.
• Naturalness (n): The opposite quality; the state of being natural, spontaneous, or genuine.

Synonyms

• Artificiality: The quality of being made or produced by human beings rather than occurring naturally.
• Affectation: Behavior, speech, or writing that is artificial and designed to impress.
• Pretense: An attempt to make something that is not the case appear true.
• Bizarreness: The quality of being very strange or unusual.

Antonyms

• Naturalness
• Spontaneity
• Genuineness
• Authenticity

Related Phrases

• A sense of unnaturalness: A feeling that something is not right or is artificial.
  • A deep sense of unnaturalness settled over the eerily quiet town.
• The mark of unnaturalness: A characteristic sign of being unnatural.
  • The perfect symmetry of the garden was the mark of its unnaturalness.

Noun

1. the quality of being unnatural or not based on natural principles