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

The grass will take on yellowed washes in irregular patterns. — Neil Sperry, star-telegram, "The tough half of the gardening marathon is ahead. Here's how to finish strong," 6 July 2018 Side effects of allergy medications can contribute to irregular sleeping patterns that increase irritability. — Elizabeth Landau, CNN, "Sad in the spring? Allergy-mood link is real," 23 Mar. 2018 Instead of placing turbines in an irregular pattern, which would produce the most energy, the company intends to position them in neat rows, eight-tenths of a mile apart. — David Abel, BostonGlobe.com, "Opponents say Block Island wind farms are causing problems across prime fishing grounds," 17 Mar. 2018 O’Connor advises painting highlights in ribbons two to three inches from the scalp in an irregular vertical pattern — an inch apart — and framing the face to give long lasting and natural-looking results. — Erin Hill, PEOPLE.com, "Did Meghan Markle Just Get Red Highlights? How to Steal Her New 'Sun-Kissed' Look," 9 Mar. 2018 But man, this brisket turned ugly on the holding pit, a mashup of blobs and chunks and short, irregular pieces. — Mike Sutter, San Antonio Express-News, "52 Weeks of BBQ: Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que," 13 July 2018 Neighbors told the paper at the time that Hayden left her door unlocked regularly and there were no irregular signs before she was found brutally murdered. — Ryan Gaydos, Fox News, "Man charged in cold-case murder of elderly California woman," 13 July 2018 One case has to be postponed because of irregular paperwork. — Henry Gass, The Christian Science Monitor, "With 'zero tolerance,' new strain on already struggling immigration courts," 9 July 2018 There were sparks and smoke, billowing up and out of Daytona International Speedway, taking with them any semblance of normalcy from an always irregular race. — Brendan Marks, charlotteobserver, "NASCAR: Controversial Daytona race ends with Erik Jones' first-ever win in double OT," 7 July 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

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 Elite units, regular troops, irregulars in jeans carrying Kalashnikovs, members of foreign militias and armored vehicles could be seen near the front line on Sunday and Monday. — Anne Barnard, New York Times, "Resurgent Syrian Rebels Surprise Damascus With New Assaults," 21 Mar. 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.