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

There is no evidence of arterial narrowing impairing blood flow or abnormalities in the heart or major vessels. —Dan Gooding, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Dec. 2025

No evidence of arterial narrowing impairing blood flow or abnormalities in the heart or major vessels. —Christian Datoc, The Washington Examiner, 1 Dec. 2025

There is no evidence of arterial narrowing impairing blood flow or abnormalities in the heart or major vessels. —Cnn.com Wire Service, Mercury News, 1 Dec. 2025

In addition to chromosomal abnormalities like trisomy 21—an extra copy of chromosome 21 that causes Down syndrome—tests also scan for life-altering diseases stemming from single-gene mutations like sickle cell anemia or cystic fibrosis. —Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 29 Nov. 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