abnormality

[ ab-nawr-mal-i-tee ]

noun

, plural ab·nor·mal·i·ties.

1. an abnormal condition, state, or quality; irregularity; deviation.

   Synonyms: idiosyncrasy, oddity, peculiarity, aberration, anomaly

2. an abnormal thing or event.

abnormality

/ ˌæbnɔːˈmælɪtɪ /

noun

1. an abnormal feature, event, etc
2. a physical malformation; deformity
3. deviation from the typical or usual; irregularity

Word History and Origins

Origin of abnormality¹

First recorded in 1850–55; abnormal + -ity

Example Sentences

Various knee abnormalities can arise from aging or injury, resulting in pain and dysfunction.

From Science Daily

Mr MacDonald denies all the charges and has lodged a special defence to the murder charge claiming he was suffering from abnormality of mind.

From BBC

Environmental pollution is a risk factor for congenital abnormalities, alongside genetics, maternal age, infection and nutrition, she says.

From BBC

He would be short, could have facial abnormalities, maybe brittle bones and there was a 50% chance that he would be stillborn.

From BBC

Dr Bloomer, who has been involved in academic research on foetal abnormalities, said the main stumbling block is funding earlier screening.

From BBC

Related Words

• anomaly
• deformity
• flaw
• irregularity