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

It is a brief text with philosophical leanings that revolves around the notions of normality and abnormality in human nature.

From The Daily Beast

When the same abnormality was detected in a subsequent pregnancy at 18 weeks, she was able to have a surgical abortion.

From The Daily Beast

A post mortem examination revealed that there were no obvious signs of abnormality in Miss Moss' body.

From The Daily Beast

I have an abnormality in the circuits for language output, and sure enough, as a child I had trouble getting language out.

From The Daily Beast

But apparently there was just an “‘abnormality’ in the system.”

From The Daily Beast

On examining the respiration and pulse, I have never been able to detect any characteristic abnormality.

From Project Gutenberg

The abnormality of club-foot may be pointed to as a reversion to the shape of the foot in the anthropoid apes.

From Project Gutenberg

Besides this, there is commonly some abnormality in the shape of the head, or the cranium is distinctly asymmetrical.

From Project Gutenberg

Almost any deformity or abnormality these days is called mutantism.

From Project Gutenberg

I admit abnormality has always had a strong attraction for me, and originality is at least not commonplace.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• anomaly
• deformity
• flaw
• irregularity