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

Jackson continued her video by explaining she has no intentions to go under the knife to address the abnormality.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

"Identifying these abnormalities will lead researchers to new strategies to treat them, with the ultimate goal of reducing symptoms."

Read more on Science Daily

Researchers found that these brain and motor abnormalities appear to persist for years after birth.

Read more on Science Daily

Other expectant mums have been sent to hospital after being told an abnormality meant they would need to end the pregnancy only to find their baby was completely healthy.

Read more on BBC

If a defendant successfully proves they were experiencing an abnormality of mental functioning, they will be convicted of manslaughter instead and receive a less severe sentence.

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Related Words

• anomaly 
• deformity 
• flaw 
• irregularity