irregularity

play

noun ir·reg·u·lar·i·ty \i-ˌre-gyə-ˈler-ə-tē, ˌi(r)-, -ˈla-rə-\

Definition of irregularity

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

See irregularity defined for English-language learners

See irregularity defined for kids

Examples of irregularity in a Sentence

the irregularity of his behavior
He is suffering from irregularity.

Recent Examples of irregularity from the Web

Federal officials have struggled for years to weed out billing irregularities by Medicare Advantage plans, according to CMS records obtained through a Freedom of Information Act lawsuit filed by the Center for Public Integrity.

— fred schulte, Kaiser Health News, "Fraud And Billing Mistakes Cost Medicare — And Taxpayers — Tens Of Billions Last Year," 19 July 2017
Kathmandu’s Newar temples stand apart from other Asian architectures for their maddening irregularity.

— atul bhattarai, The Christian Science Monitor, "In post-quake rebuilding, Kathmandu's carvers reclaim a fading heritage," 17 July 2017
The commission seeks voter information to look into alleged irregularities into voting in the 2016 presidential election.

— steve lord, Aurora Beacon-News, "Fox Valley election officials on federal investigation: 'We have nothing to hide'," 7 July 2017
Formatting, the printing process and quality control irregularities affect value and can launch a collection.

— helen wolt, Sun-Sentinel.com, "Stamp club celebrates 50 years of collecting," 26 June 2017
Don't look just for bumps, but for any irregularities.

— emma baty, Redbook, "This Woman Thought Her Freckles Were Just From the Sun, But They Turned Out to Be Cancer," 8 June 2017
Officials and the media reported hundreds of irregularities, including bloody pigs’ heads found outside opposition offices, telephone threats to discourage voters, alleged vote-buying and the organized busing of unregistered voters to the polls.

— patrick j. mcdonnell, latimes.com, "Early results show Mexico's ruling party projected to win a key governor's race," 4 June 2017
The latter exchanges are known for irregularities, insider trading, accounting fraud and a heavy hand by the government, which has ordered companies and fund managers to buy stocks during downturns, for example.

— daisy maxey, WSJ, "How Much Do You Know About China’s Stock Market?," 4 June 2017
That dream faded after stories in The Courant revealed irregularities in the project's financing.

— jenna carlesso, courant.com, "As Jury Selection Starts, Dillon Stadium Developer Faces New Charges," 2 June 2017

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

Origin and Etymology of irregularity

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

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First Known Use: 14th century

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IRREGULARITY Defined for English Language Learners

irregularity

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noun

Definition of irregularity for English Language Learners

: the quality or state of being irregular
: something that is irregular
: something that is not usual or proper and that usually indicates dishonest behavior

IRREGULARITY Defined for Kids

irregularity

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

Definition of irregularity for Students

plural

irregularities

1 : the quality or state of being unusual, uneven, or happening at different times
2 : something that is unusual, uneven, or happening at different times

Medical Dictionary

irregularity

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

Medical Definition of irregularity

plural

irregularities

1: the quality or state of being irregular irregularity of breathing hormonal irregularitys
2: occasional constipation more fiber in one's diet may help relieve irregularity