irregular

adjective

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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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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 Every year, tens of thousands of people are trafficked from Nigeria, particularly Edo State in the nation's south, which has become one of Africa's largest departure points for irregular migration. — Aisha Salaudeen, CNN, "New Nollywood film shines a light on human trafficking in Nigeria," 7 Oct. 2020 Mexico’s government has stepped up law enforcement against irregular migration at the request of Mr. Trump. — Juan Montes, WSJ, "New Migrant Caravan From Honduras Heads Toward U.S. Border," 2 Oct. 2020 Amid unprecedented border closures in the spring, due to public health restrictions, irregular migration to Europe virtually ground to a halt. — Washington Post, "Economic fallout from coronavirus leads to surge in Tunisians leaving for Europe," 24 Sep. 2020 And indeed, irregular migration to Europe, while still a big issue, has fallen considerably from its peak five years ago. — The Economist, "Cheques don’t check treks The idea that aid and development slow migration is wrong," 29 Aug. 2020 The Lads took us down to the last at-bat on the last day of the irregular regular season. — Scott Ostler, SFChronicle.com, "Surprise: In an irregular season, the Giants were regularly entertaining," 27 Sep. 2020 Some of the most notable and serious side effects that can occur from taking potassium supplements include developing an irregular heartbeat, feeling weak or tingly, and having digestive tract issues. — Allen Foster, chicagotribune.com, "The best potassium supplement of 2020," 24 Sep. 2020 During this time Katherine realised that her depression was at least in part tied to her cycle and was exacerbated by her irregular, infrequent periods. — Sadhbh O'sullivan, refinery29.com, "Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Fuelled My Eating Disorder," 10 Sep. 2020 Though that program ended in April, the Pentagon continues to move the strategic jets through Andersen at irregular intervals to keep adversaries guessing. — Brad Lendon, CNN, "Chinese air force propaganda video appears to use Hollywood movie clips," 22 Sep. 2020 Recent Examples on the Web: Noun As volunteer companies were raised to drive out the Mexican forces — who were occupying their own country — some of the irregulars were joined by free black men. — Paula Allen, ExpressNews.com, "Mixed-race San Antonio adventurer helped Texas fight for independence from Mexico," 15 Feb. 2020 Turkish troops then began shelling Kurdish towns in Syria, and Turkish forces pushed forward, irregulars executing people in ditches along the road. — Time, "'No Friends But the Mountains.' What Life Looks Like for the Kurds of Syria, Now That the U.S. Has Pulled Back," 14 Nov. 2019 Pakistani irregulars invaded, India intervened, and the two countries fought to a stalemate. — Washington Post, "Where the Latest India-Pakistan Conflict May Lead: QuickTake," 15 Feb. 2019 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

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.