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

But over 1,200 clones later, the experiment stopped, because by that last generation the mice kept dying immediately after being born, despite displaying no outward physical abnormalities. —Frank Landymore, Futurism, 26 Mar. 2026

This finding matches with prior research, carried out in lab mice and rats, which has found that long-term methylphenidate treatment in juvenile animals normalizes some abnormalities in dopamine-rich brain regions. —David Cox, NBC news, 25 Mar. 2026

There are different metabolites in the mitochondria that also reflect metabolic abnormalities. —Elizabeth Cooney, STAT, 25 Mar. 2026

Any abnormalities, such as areas of inflammation or suspicious growths, can be biopsied and tested. —Miriam Fauzia, Dallas Morning News, 19 Mar. 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