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

Some clinics may also offer full-body MRIs, which scan for any abnormalities from cancerous tumors to evidence of stroke. — Renée Onque, CNBC, 29 Sep. 2026

However, because the Food and Drug Administration has warned about a potential for birth abnormalities, it is not recommended for women who are pregnant or who want to get pregnant. — Lindsey Bever, Washington Post, 26 Sep. 2026

For healthcare leaders, the path forward is less about detecting ever more abnormalities than about improving the balance between early detection, diagnostic precision and health-system capacity. — Oran Muduroglu, Forbes.com, 24 Sep. 2026

Incidental findings are small abnormalities that are doing no harm and would not have been discovered without a scan. — Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 21 Sep. 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