irregular

adjective

ir·reg·u·lar | \ i-ˈre-gyə-lər

, ˌi(r)-\

Definition of irregular

(Entry 1 of 2)

1a : not being or acting in accord with laws, rules, or established custom irregular conduct

b : not conforming to the usual pattern of inflection irregular verbs specifically : strong sense 16

c : 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 coastline

b : 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

irregular

noun

Definition of irregular (Entry 2 of 2)

: one that is irregular: such as

a : a soldier who is not a member of a regular military force

b irregulars plural : merchandise that has minor defects or that falls next below the manufacturer's standard for firsts

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Choose the Right Synonym for irregular

Adjective

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

Examples of irregular in a Sentence

Adjective

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.

Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective

One in three patients who have implanted devices for irregular heartbeats still drive, despite being banned from getting behind the wheel, a new Danish study finds. — chicagotribune.com, "Bans not keeping drivers with implanted defibrillators off the road," 3 Sep. 2019 In November 2017, the company started the Apple Heart study, which looked at whether the pulse sensor on older Apple Watches (Series 1, 2, and 3) could help detect irregular heart rhythms, such as atrial fibrillation. — Beth Mole, Ars Technica, "Apple continues health push with three new medical studies," 10 Sep. 2019 Their irregular dark clay forms echoed Miro’s playful, gestural lines as did stems of ranunculus (some in bud), eucalyptus and white tallow berry gone to seed. — Lindsey Taylor, WSJ, "A Slightly Surreal Floral Arrangement Inspired by Joan Miró," 22 Feb. 2019 Two years ago Lamb, now 71, was dealing with atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat) and decided to back off from coaching at Boston English. — Lenny Megliola, BostonGlobe.com, "Tom Lamb returning to Natick sidelines as an assistant," 28 June 2019 Over time, scar tissue and irregular heartbeats can develop, and the heart can age faster than normal. — Sarah Richards, Los Angeles Times, "Why we’re flocking to obstacle races and ultra marathons," 2 Aug. 2019 Meanwhile, ibrutinib was linked in the study to cardiovascular side effects including high blood pressure and an irregular heart rhythm. — Michael Nedelman, CNN, "Chemo-free drug combo shows 'dramatic' improvement against common leukemia in adults," 31 July 2019 The mapping helps with ablation, a procedure that destroys abnormal heart tissue that causes arrhythmia, or irregular heartbeats. — San Diego Union-Tribune, "Cardiac device maker gets $170 million financing," 20 June 2019 At the time, the Departmet of Homeland Security signed a regional agreement with the Northern Triangle countries aimed at preventing irregular migration, combating criminal organizations and ultimately helping with US border security. — Abel Alvarado And Michelle Mendoza, CNN, "Guatemala rounds up dozens of immigrants to send back to their home countries," 4 July 2019

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Somehow the regulars don’t seem to mind all the irregulars who come to gawk. — Joshua Levine, WSJ, "Saks Doubles Down on Department Stores With New Restaurant in New York City," 15 Jan. 2019 Instead imagine high-tech mobs, an intifada with stones and drones, locals and irregulars in improvised warfare with the feds. — Lance Morrow, WSJ, "Political Harassment Is for the Birds," 6 July 2018 Who took up arms to help their husbands in their clashes with Turkish troops and Kurdish irregulars. — Stephanie Petit, PEOPLE.com, "Kim & Rob Kardashian Honor Victims of the Armenian Genocide 103 Years After First Attack," 24 Apr. 2018 The onslaught followed days of army units and pro-government irregulars mobilizing from as far as the northern city of Aleppo before massing south of the capital. — Nabih Bulos, latimes.com, "Syrian army secures areas south of capital," 20 Apr. 2018 The army's 3rd and 4th divisions, the Republican Guard, Russian forces, tribal fighters and pro-government irregulars are expected to take part in the offensive, pro-government activists said. — Nabih Bulos, latimes.com, "'It’s a catastrophe': Almost 200 killed in multi-day bombardment of Syrian suburb," 20 Feb. 2018 As he, Ulibarri and Gola tune their instruments and sip their cocktails, a steady flow of irregulars and their instruments casually stroll through the pub. — Nate Addlestone, miamiherald, "Jazz Mondays at Churchill’s Pub, a safe haven for people who just want to be themselves | Miami Herald," 25 Oct. 2017 His small band of irregulars skirmished with government troops, and each encounter increased their support in Cuba and around the world, even though other insurgent forces in the cities were also fighting to overthrow the Batista government. — Anthony Depalma, New York Times, "Fidel Castro, Cuban Revolutionary Who Defied U.S., Dies at 90," 26 Nov. 2016 The coalition argues that casualties are inevitable in urban warfare with irregulars mixing with civilians and determined to stage a last stand. — Susanna George, The Seattle Times, "Civilian casualty toll could complicate Iraqi reconciliation," 1 May 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'irregular.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.