nonstandard

American  

[non-stan-derd] / ˈnɒnˈstæn dərd /

adjective

1. not standard.

2. not conforming in pronunciation, grammar, vocabulary, etc., to the usage characteristic of and considered acceptable by most educated native speakers; lacking in social prestige or regionally or socially limited in use.

   a nonstandard dialect; nonstandard English.

3. Mathematics. of or relating to a generalized system of numbers that includes the real numbers but also includes infinite and infinitesimal numbers.

   nonstandard analysis.

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nonstandard British  

/ nɒnˈstændəd /

adjective

1. denoting or characterized by idiom, vocabulary, etc, that is not regarded as correct and acceptable by educated native speakers of a language; not standard

2. deviating from a given standard

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Usage

A term labeled Nonstandard in this dictionary is one that is thought to be characteristic of the speech of persons with little education—a term that is often regarded as a marker of low social status.

Etymology

Origin of nonstandard

First recorded in 1920–25; non- + standard

Example Sentences

The second gallery contains other related, nonstandard photographs.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 25, 2026

Some have more nonstandard options like gift cards or Amazon Pay.

From Salon • Feb. 11, 2026

Studies have consistently shown that nonstandard work schedules -- working outside the traditional nine-to-five workday -- can negatively impact physical and mental health as well as social and family life.

From Science Daily • Apr. 3, 2024

Anyone who pursues a nonstandard creative career in America and doesn’t have generational wealth or a rich spouse will likely hold at least two jobs.

From Slate • Jan. 3, 2024

Figure 1.8: It is rare these days to see the G and F clefs in these nonstandard positions.

From "Understanding Basic Music Theory" by Catherine Schmidt-Jones and Russel Jones

Related Words

• abnormal