abnormality

noun

ab·​nor·​mal·​i·​ty ˌab-nər-ˈma-lə-tē 

-(ˌ)nȯr-

plural abnormalities

1

: something abnormal

2

: the quality or state of being abnormal

Synonyms of abnormality

• anomaly
• mutation

Examples of abnormality in a Sentence

The test results showed several genetic abnormalities.

There was some abnormality in his vision.

Recent Examples on the Web

Tests showed abnormalities in her urine and bone marrow, leading to a diagnosis of multiple myeloma, a form of blood cancer than can cause kidney problems. — Kerry Breen, CBS News, 27 June 2026

In 2024, Finkelstein signed the test of one student athlete as normal even though some of the results indicated abnormalities. — Ciara McCarthy 25, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 June 2026

Others explored whether the cause could be an immune disorder or a structural abnormality in Tessa's brain. — Paloma Chavez, PEOPLE, 25 June 2026

In the 43-minute sit-down, Kasher detailed discovering the abnormality in his tonsil and how that led to a biopsy that confirmed his cancer diagnosis. — Kimi Robinson, USA Today, 23 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

abnormal entry 1 + -ity

First Known Use

1847, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for abnormality

• cardinality
• commonality
• communality
• cordiality
• corporeality
• criminality
• criticality
• functionality
• generality
• geniality
• hospitality
• illegality

Kids Definition

abnormality

noun

ab·​nor·​mal·​i·​ty ˌab-nər-ˈmal-ət-ē 

-(ˌ)nȯr-

plural abnormalities

1

: the state of being abnormal

2

: something abnormal

Medical Definition

abnormality

noun

ab·​nor·​mal·​i·​ty ˌab-nər-ˈmal-ət-ē, -(ˌ)nȯr- 

plural abnormalities

1

: the quality or state of being abnormal

2

: something abnormal

brain-wave abnormalities