irregular

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adjective ir·reg·u·lar \i-ˈre-gyə-lər, ˌi(r)-\

Definition of irregular

1a : not being or acting in accord with laws, rules, or established custom irregular conductb : not conforming to the usual pattern of inflection irregular verbs; specifically : strong 16c : not following a usual or prescribed procedure; especially, British : celebrated without either proclamation of the banns or publication of intention to marry irregular marriage
2 : not belonging to or a part of a regular organized group; specifically : not belonging to a regular army but raised for a special purpose irregular troops
3a : lacking perfect symmetry or evenness an irregular coastlineb : having one or more floral parts of the same whorl different in size, shape, or arrangement; specifically : zygomorphic
4 : lacking continuity or regularity especially of occurrence or activity irregular employment

irregularly

adverb

See irregular defined for English-language learners

See irregular defined for kids

Examples of irregular in a Sentence

His behavior as a teacher was highly irregular.
Her application was handled in an irregular manner.
a very jagged, irregular surface
The stone has an irregular shape.
He has a very irregular schedule.
The festival has been held at irregular intervals.

Origin and Etymology of irregular

Middle English irreguler, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin irregularis not in accordance with rule, from Latin in- + regularis regular

First Known Use: 14th century

Synonym Discussion of irregular

irregular, anomalous, unnatural mean not conforming to rule, law, or custom. irregular implies not conforming to a law or regulation imposed for the sake of uniformity in method, practice, or conduct. concerned about his irregular behavior anomalous implies not conforming to what might be expected because of the class or type to which it belongs or the laws that govern its existence. her drive made her an anomalous figure in a sleepy organization unnatural suggests what is contrary to nature or to principles or standards felt to be essential to the well-being of civilized society. prisoners treated with unnatural cruelty

irregular

noun ir·reg·u·lar

Definition of irregular

: one that is irregular: such asa : a soldier who is not a member of a regular military forceb irregulars plural : merchandise that has minor defects or that falls next below the manufacturer's standard for firsts

See irregular defined for English-language learners

15th Century

First Known Use of irregular

15th century

IRREGULAR Defined for English Language Learners

irregular

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adjective

Definition of irregular for English Language Learners

: not normal or usual : not following the usual rules about what should be done
: not even or smooth : not regular in form or shape
: happening or done at different times that change often

irregular

noun

Definition of irregular for English Language Learners

: a soldier who does not belong to a country's official army

IRREGULAR Defined for Kids

irregular

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adjective ir·reg·u·lar \i-ˈreg-yə-lər\

Definition of irregular for Students

1 : not following custom or rule Her methods are most irregular.
2 : not following the usual manner of inflection The verb “sell” is irregular because its past tense is “sold,” not “selled.”
3 : not straight, smooth, or even an irregular coastline
4 : not continuous or coming at set times He works irregular hours.

irregularly

adverb

Medical Dictionary

irregular

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adjective ir·reg·u·lar \(ˈ)ir-ˈ(r)eg-yə-lər\

Medical Definition of irregular

1: lacking perfect symmetry of form : not straight, smooth, even, or regular irregular teeth
2a: lacking continuity or regularity of occurrence, activity, or function irregular breathingbof a physiological function : failing to occur at regular or normal intervals irregular menstruation have your bowels been irregularcof an individual : failing to defecate at regular or normal intervals was constipated and very irregular