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

His petition says the medications can cause pregnancy complications, including miscarriages and fetal brain abnormalities that may lead to autism and other disorders in children. —Ed Silverman, STAT, 5 Mar. 2026

These tests screen for abnormalities, and if the results are concerning, your next step is a colonoscopy. —Sohaib Imtiaz, Verywell Health, 27 Feb. 2026

Researchers must also confirm that the therapy successfully targeted the patient’s genetic or biological abnormality. —CNN Money, 23 Feb. 2026

The scan revealed severe inflammation of his spinal cord and abnormalities consistent with transverse myelitis of the medulla and brain stem, Wilson says. —Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 19 Feb. 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