irregularity

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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

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
Hun Sen appealed to all political parties to accept the outcome rather than make accusations of irregularities.

— the associated press, The Seattle Times, "Cambodia’s ruler warns opposition not to challenge vote", 1 June 2017
The opposition, which has alleged irregularities during the election campaign including muzzling the media, plans protests later Wednesday against Vucic’s autocratic rule.

— Washington Post, "Aleksandar Vucic sworn in as Serbia’s next president", 31 May 2017
Soon, stories of voter irregularities and uncertainty of the validity of results in nearly every state leaks, and the result of the election is suspended indefinitely.

— ethan renner, baltimoresun.com, "'House of Cards' Season 5, Episode 4 recap: One nation, Underwood", 31 May 2017
Horton still worked out for hours at the gym, believing that exercise would combat his infirmities, but neurological irregularities were sabotaging his body, including his blood pressure.

— bill pennington, New York Times, "A Football Coach’s Struggle With C.T.E. — and a Guilty Conscience", 26 May 2017
Officials would use the paper trail to recount votes in the event of election irregularities.

— kim zetter, WIRED, "Dust-Up Over E-Vote Paper Trail", 26 Nov. 2003

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

See Words from the same year

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