irregularity

American  

[ih-reg-yuh-lar-i-tee] / ɪˌrɛg yəˈlær ɪ ti /

noun

plural

irregularities

1. the quality or state of being irregular.

2. something irregular.

3. a breach of rules, customs, etiquette, morality, etc.

4. occasional mild constipation.

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irregularity British  

/ ɪˌrɛɡjʊˈlærɪtɪ /

noun

1. the state or quality of being irregular

2. something irregular, such as a bump in a smooth surface

3. a breach of a convention or normal procedure

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Etymology

Origin of irregularity

1275–1325; Middle English irregularite < Old French < Medieval Latin irrēgulāritās. See ir- ², regularity ( def. )

Example Sentences

Still, in our endless chase of machined refinement, I think we’re missing the value of human irregularity.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 26, 2026

Transactions initially appeared to be completed correctly, but the irregularity was only discovered days later, when the payment platform transferred the actual amount paid to the affected company.

From Barron's • Feb. 18, 2026

“Always see your dermatologist if you see an irregularity that’s not going away. Don’t wait. And protect yourself — I like an SPF of 50 or greater and apply it 15 minutes before going outside.”

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 31, 2025

Mr Thomas said the collapse of this trial was due to "a great irregularity in the jury which we all agree has irretrievably compromised our ability to consider this matter".

From BBC • Oct. 9, 2024

So terrified was I that some irregularity would interfere with enlistment—some unforeseen objection—I perhaps answered with too great an exactitude, too punctilious a range of detail—desperate for approbation.

From "The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Volume II: The Kingdom on the Waves" by M.T. Anderson

Related Words

• breach
• crime
• infringement
• violation