abnormal

1 of 2

adjective

ab·​nor·​mal (ˌ)ab-ˈnȯr-məl 

əb-

: deviating from the normal or average

a person with abnormal [=exceptional] strength

abnormal powers of concentration

often : unusual in an unwelcome or problematic way

abnormal behavior

abnormal test results

abnormally

(ˌ)ab-ˈnȯr-mə-lē 

əb-

adverb

behaving abnormally

abnormal

2 of 2

noun

: an abnormal person

Synonyms of abnormal

Adjective

• unusual
• extraordinary
• exceptional
• unique
• rare
• uncommon
• odd

Examples of abnormal in a Sentence

Adjective

The results of the blood test were abnormal.

a completely abnormal school day, because half of the kids were out sick

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Symptoms of this condition include delirium, seizures, an abnormal heart rhythm, hyperthermia, coma and death. — Andrew Yockey, The Conversation, 24 July 2026

The condition, also known as cervical kyphosis, is an abnormal forward curve of the neck. — Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 23 July 2026

Noun

Primed for speed and for the social distancing of the new abnormal, Toro Coffee does its thing exclusively at the drive-thru, with a window on each side of this white box building near Rackspace on the Northeast Side. — Mike Sutter, San Antonio Express-News, 28 Jan. 2021

Several in the Santiam district spoke to The Oregonian/OregonLive about what’s become a catchphrase of the double bind -- the new abnormal. — oregonlive, 20 Oct. 2020

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

New Latin abnormis "deviating from the average" (going back to Medieval Latin, "not conforming to rule," going back to Latin, "belonging to no school of philosophy," from ab- ab- + norma "carpenter's rule, pattern") + -al entry 1 — more at norm

Noun

noun derivative of abnormal entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective

1817, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1857, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing abnormal

• abnormal psychology

Rhymes for abnormal

• conformal
• informal
• lognormal
• subnormal
• formal
• formyl
• orthonormal
• paranormal
• supernormal

Kids Definition

abnormal

adjective

ab·​nor·​mal

(ˈ)ab-ˈnȯr-məl

: differing from the normal or average : unusual

abnormally

-mə-lē

adverb

Medical Definition

abnormal

1 of 2 adjective

ab·​nor·​mal (ˈ)ab-ˈnȯr-məl 

: deviating from the normal, average, or expected

abnormal development

results of the Pap smear were abnormal

abnormal actions departing from accepted standards of social behavior

abnormally

-mə-lē 

adverb

abnormal

2 of 2 noun

: an abnormal person