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

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

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

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

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

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Related Words

• anomaly 
• deformity 
• flaw 
• irregularity