irregularity

noun

ir·​reg·​u·​lar·​i·​ty i-ˌre-gyə-ˈler-ə-tē 

ˌi(r)-,

-ˈla-rə-

plural irregularities

1

: something that is irregular (such as improper or dishonest conduct)

alleged irregularities in the city government

2

: the quality or state of being irregular

3

: constipation

Examples of irregularity in a Sentence

the irregularity of his behavior

He is suffering from irregularity.

Recent Examples on the Web

Giménez Sánchez said the incidents were a direct result of his continuous reporting on the irregularities and violations of civil and human rights in Venezuela. —Verónica Egui Brito, Miami Herald, 7 Nov. 2025

The state’s own election monitor produced two dozen pages of irregularities after observing Fulton’s ballot-counting operation in November 2020, including double-scanning of ballots, insecure transport, and violations of voter privacy. —Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 4 Nov. 2025

Protesters in Cameroon took to cities across the country days after President Paul Biya secured an extension to his 43-year rule in a process experts say was marred by irregularities. —Semafor Events, semafor.com, 3 Nov. 2025

Faults typically contain surface irregularities, known as asperities, which prevent smooth movement between tectonic plates. —Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English irregularite, from Medieval Latin irregularitat-, irregularitas, from Late Latin irregularis

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for irregularity

• peculiarity
• subsidiarity
• unfamiliarity
• unpopularity
• alterity
• asperity
• austerity
• celerity
• dexterity
• disparity
• hilarity
• molarity

Kids Definition

irregularity

noun

ir·​reg·​u·​lar·​i·​ty (ˌ)ir-ˌ(r)eg-yə-ˈlar-ət-ē 

plural irregularities

1

: the quality or state of being irregular

2

: something (as dishonest conduct) that is irregular

3

: constipation

Medical Definition

irregularity

noun

ir·​reg·​u·​lar·​i·​ty (ˌ)ir-ˌ(r)eg-yə-ˈlar-ət-ē 

plural irregularities

1

: the quality or state of being irregular

irregularity of breathing

hormonal irregularities

2

: occasional constipation

more fiber in one's diet may help relieve irregularity

Legal Definition

irregularity

noun

ir·​reg·​u·​lar·​i·​ty ir-ˌre-gyə-ˈlar-ə-tē 

plural irregularities

: something that is irregular

an irregularity in the proceeding