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

The symptoms of breast cancer in men include abnormalities around the breast area, including a lump or swelling, redness or flaky skin, nipple discharge and pain in the nipple area, according to the CDC. —ABC News, 10 June 2026

The embryos Egli’s team edited had no chromosomal abnormalities or large deletions and few small changes, according to the preprint. —Laura Dattaro, Scientific American, 10 June 2026

But that's not an abnormality – Californian election officials are working through a deluge of mail-in ballots, a major slice of the vote in the state. —Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 9 June 2026

This practice can lead to gait abnormalities, premature joint wear, and potential damage to bone development. —Meredith Wilshere, PEOPLE, 6 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