abnormality

[ab-nawr-mal-i-tee]

noun

plural

abnormalities 

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

Dynevor said playing a character with breast cancer was what prompted her to check herself for abnormalities, leading to her diagnosis.

From BBC

Too much vitamin A can cause liver damage, blindness, and dire abnormalities during fetal development.

From Salon

Zoo officials said that Maka was 5 when he was diagnosed with chromosomal abnormalities and had been receiving treatment throughout his life.

From Los Angeles Times

At the Fukushima nuclear plant, all 4,000 workers were evacuated, but the plant's operators said there were no "abnormalities" detected.

From BBC

The plant's operator said all 4,000 of its workers had been evacuated, adding that there were no "abnormalities" detected.

From BBC

Related Words

• anomaly 
• deformity 
• flaw 
• irregularity