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

In December 2024, a Bucharest court ruled that the first case against the Tates and their two female associates couldn't proceed to trial because of multiple legal and procedural irregularities and sent it back to prosecutors. — Ivan Pereira, ABC News, 19 July 2026

The company has repeatedly denied manipulating election results and says its technology contains safeguards designed to detect irregularities. — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 17 July 2026

The big events in this episode involve reporter Helen Drew, who gets fired from her job, most likely because of her investigation into the irregularities surrounding Charlotte Keene’s flying mission. — Noel Murray, Vulture, 17 July 2026

The process began with Rhino 406, a light blue epoxy base coat applied on the concrete to seal surface irregularities and establish a protective barrier. — Maura Judkis, Washington Post, 16 July 2026

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