anomalous

[uh-nom-uh-luhs]

adjective

1. deviating from or inconsistent with the common order, form, or rule; irregular; abnormal.

   Advanced forms of life may be anomalous in the universe.

2. not fitting into a common or familiar type, classification, or pattern; unusual.

   He held an anomalous position in the art world.

3. incongruous or inconsistent.

4. Grammar.,  irregular.

anomalous

/ əˈnɒmələs /

adjective

1. deviating from the normal or usual order, type, etc; irregular, abnormal, or incongruous

Other Word Forms

• anomalously adverb
• anomalousness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of anomalous¹

First recorded in 1640–50; from Medieval Latin, Late Latin anōmalus, or directly from Greek anṓmalos “irregular,” equivalent to an- “not, lacking” an- ¹ + homalós “even,” with ō by analogy with other Greek privatives ( anopheles ); an- ¹, homo-, -ous

Word History and Origins

Origin of anomalous¹

C17: from Late Latin anōmalus, from Greek anōmalos uneven, inconsistent, from _an- + homalos even, from homos one and the same

Example Sentences

“Those who may have been holding out hope that some of this was anomalous and this recklessness was temporary, I think now deeply understand what’s at stake,” he said.

From Salon

Prof Armstrong said it was "anomalous that we have one single state organisation that is immune from prosecution".

From BBC

Ireland really is unique, or at least anomalous, in a number of respects.

From Salon

Mrs Justice Lang added: "This results in an anomalous situation where officers who do not have basic vetting clearance cannot be dismissed."

From BBC

In mid December, four federal agencies declared the investigators had "not identified anything anomalous" about the reports.

From BBC

Related Words

• abnormal 
• atypical 
• divergent 
• incongruous 
• peculiar 
• unnatural