deformity

noun

de·​for·​mi·​ty di-ˈfȯr-mə-tē 

dē-

plural deformities

1

: the state of being deformed

2

: imperfection, blemish: such as

a

: a physical blemish or distortion : disfigurement

b

: a moral or aesthetic flaw or defect

Synonyms

• defect
• scar
• blotch

Examples of deformity in a Sentence

a disease causing deformity of the spine

a primitive culture that cast aside infants born with deformities, allowing them to die of exposure to the elements

Recent Examples on the Web

Her dwarfism caused a kidney deformity, and she's been in kidney failure for most of her life. —Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 July 2025

However, severe, inflexible deformities that need aggressive bony carpentry to correct the spine’s alignment carry complication rates up to 60%, with major deformity surgeries posing a 1% mortality risk within a year. —Richard Menger Md Mpa, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025

The disease can also cause foot deformities that worsen over time. —Diana Leyva, Nashville Tennessean, 19 May 2025

Fewer fish in the lake or fish with deformities, parasites or injuries would be red flags going into spawning season. —Asher Redd, FOXNews.com, 2 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English deformite, from Middle French defformeteit, from Latin deformitat-, deformitas, from deformis deformed, from de- + forma

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for deformity

• conformity
• enormity
• disconformity
• nonconformity
• unconformity
• uniformity
• nonuniformity

Kids Definition

deformity

noun

de·​for·​mi·​ty di-ˈfȯr-mət-ē 

plural deformities

1

: the state of being deformed

2

: a physical blemish or twisting out of a natural shape or condition

3

: a morally disgusting or artistically ugly imperfection

Medical Definition

deformity

noun

de·​for·​mi·​ty di-ˈfȯr-mət-ē 

plural deformities

1

: the state of being deformed

2

: a physical blemish or distortion

deformities caused by thalidomide