OUT OF THE ORDINARY

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does out of the ordinary mean? 

• OUT OF THE ORDINARY (adjective)
  The adjective OUT OF THE ORDINARY has 2 senses:

1. exceptionally or unusually good

2. exceptional, unusual, or remarkable

  Familiarity information: OUT OF THE ORDINARY used as an adjective is rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• OUT OF THE ORDINARY (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Exceptionally or unusually good

Synonyms:

out of the ordinary; out of this world

Context example:

the food here is out of this world

Similar:

superior (of high or superior quality or performance)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Exceptional, unusual, or remarkable

Synonyms:

out-of-the-way; out of the ordinary; out of the way

Context example:

out-of-the-way information

Similar:

unusual (not usual or common or ordinary)

 Context examples 

She had said, ‘It should be there before now. It took longer, being out of the ordinary.’

(His Last Bow, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

Well, it's lucky for you, Challenger, that you ARE a little out of the ordinary.

(The Lost World, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

It was the coffin of which she spoke. It had been out of the ordinary. That could only mean that it had been made to some special measurement.

(His Last Bow, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

The woman was excusing herself. ‘It should be there before now,’ she answered. ‘It took longer, being out of the ordinary.’ They both stopped and looked at me, so I asked some questions and then left the shop.

(His Last Bow, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)