irregularity

noun

ir·​reg·​u·​lar·​i·​ty i-ˌre-gyə-ˈler-ə-tē How to pronounce irregularity (audio)
ˌi(r)-
-ˈla-rə-
plural irregularities
Synonyms of irregularitynext
1
: something that is irregular (such as improper or dishonest conduct)
alleged irregularities in the city government
2
: the quality or state of being irregular
3

Examples of irregularity in a Sentence

the irregularity of his behavior He is suffering from irregularity.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Here's what to know about the controversy over alleged vote irregularities in Riverside County. Tom Coulter, USA Today, 21 Mar. 2026 Dawn Nettles, who publishes the Lotto Report about lottery happenings and has cried foul over lottery irregularities, said attention should turn away from the gamblers and focus on state officials who presided over this mess. Dave Lieber, Dallas Morning News, 19 Mar. 2026 Kane County voters who observe or experience voting problems or irregularities during the March 17 general primary election should call the Kane County State’s Attorney’s Office or the Kane County Sheriff’s Office, according to a Facebook post by the State’s Attorney’s Office. Aurora Beacon-News, Chicago Tribune, 17 Mar. 2026 As an example of this irregularity, between 2000 and 2099, there will be 25 leap days, including the starting year, but in the following three centuries, there will only be 24 leap days. Manon Bischoff, Scientific American, 13 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for irregularity

Word History

Etymology

Middle English irregularite, from Medieval Latin irregularitat-, irregularitas, from Late Latin irregularis

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of irregularity was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Irregularity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/irregularity. Accessed 28 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

irregularity

noun
ir·​reg·​u·​lar·​i·​ty (ˌ)ir-ˌ(r)eg-yə-ˈlar-ət-ē How to pronounce irregularity (audio)
plural irregularities
1
: the quality or state of being irregular
2
: something (as dishonest conduct) that is irregular
3

Medical Definition

irregularity

noun
ir·​reg·​u·​lar·​i·​ty (ˌ)ir-ˌ(r)eg-yə-ˈlar-ət-ē How to pronounce irregularity (audio)
plural irregularities
1
: the quality or state of being irregular
irregularity of breathing
hormonal irregularities
2
: occasional constipation
more fiber in one's diet may help relieve irregularity

Legal Definition

irregularity

noun
ir·​reg·​u·​lar·​i·​ty ir-ˌre-gyə-ˈlar-ə-tē How to pronounce irregularity (audio)
plural irregularities
: something that is irregular
an irregularity in the proceeding

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