new normal

American

[noo nawr-muhl, nyoo] / ˈnu ˈnɔr məl, ˈnju /

noun

a current situation, social custom, etc., that is different from what has been experienced or done before but is expected to become usual or typical.

We are facing a new normal that includes raging forest fires and prolonged drought.

Etymology

Origin of new normal

First recorded in 1920–25

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The family adapted to its new normal, and Klugo and his sister enrolled in athletic programs.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 11, 2026

When smart reforms prove that they deliver stronger campaigns and majority winners, they can become the new normal.

From Salon • Jun. 9, 2026

Bisaria describes the post-conflict environment as "a new normal with some degree of strategic ambiguity".

From BBC • May 7, 2026

Oil prices staying at $100 a barrel as the new normal could also cap the bullion’s momentum towards $5,000 a troy ounce.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 5, 2026

Maybe that means I'm on my way back to some kind of new normal.

From "Counting by 7s" by Holly Goldberg Sloan

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023