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

Researchers have also identified abnormalities in the immune system that may contribute to the disease. — Daryl Austin, USA Today, 7 July 2026

More effective is preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A), a diagnostic screening that checks embryos for chromosomal abnormalities. — Edna Bonhomme, Scientific American, 6 July 2026

And even after an animal is slaughtered, the meat goes through a thorough inspection looking for any sign of disease, abnormalities or contamination. — Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 5 July 2026

Interestingly, the development could lead to precision for delicate industrial manufacturing, gives advanced prosthetics a richer sense of touch, and allow surgical systems to instantly detect fine tissue abnormalities through visual color cues. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 3 July 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