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

• 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

But a self-exam shouldn’t just involve touch; look for visual changes or abnormalities on your breasts, too. —Anisa Arsenault, Health, 24 Oct. 2025

If the aneurysm is found in a healthy patient and doesn’t show any high-risk features, doctors will monitor it and check for signs of growth or other abnormalities over time. —Kaan Ozcan, NBC news, 23 Oct. 2025

Before the stethoscope, physicians often placed their ear directly on a patient’s chest to listen for abnormalities in breathing and heart sounds. —Joshua Hutcheson, The Conversation, 16 Oct. 2025

According to the zoo, Maka was diagnosed with chromosomal abnormalities at just 5 years old but managed to thrive with the help of wildlife health and care teams. —Saleen Martin, USA Today, 14 Oct. 2025

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