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

The Torcal’s response on-center is deliberately somewhat muted, progressing as the driver turns the wheel, helping maintain the illusion that the Torcal’s mere inertia is sufficient to carry it through irregularities in the path ahead. — Byron Hurd, The Drive, 27 Aug. 2026

Mundubile has rejected the result, claiming irregularities in the vote. — ABC News, 27 Aug. 2026

The group also intended to export another 56 servers, but was stopped after Taiwan Customs noticed irregularities in the shipment. — Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 24 Aug. 2026

There have been no official findings of fraud or irregularity in the Minnesota primary results. — Eric Henderson, CBS News, 19 Aug. 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