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

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

During a recent episode of “YMH,” Pazsitzky shared that she went in for a mammogram and they found an abnormality.

From Los Angeles Times

“They had no idea, they had genetic testing, and it was normal, but then they went for their anatomy ultrasound and found out that they had an anatomic abnormality that isn't genetic,” she said.

From Salon

There is likely no single cause for SIDS, but rather a variety of risk factors, including an underlying physical abnormality, premature birth, and unsafe sleep conditions that can make an infant more vulnerable.

From Los Angeles Times

As the Des Moines Register explains, the fatal fetal anomaly exception permits abortion when a fetal abnormality “is incompatible with life,” which is vague.

From Salon

Related Words

• anomaly
• deformity
• flaw
• irregularity