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

Carolina, after all, has only seen two games where its quarterback has thrown for over 200 yards — and both were statistical irregularities. —Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 25 Nov. 2025

Comey’s lawyers had also seized on irregularities in the grand jury process in seeking to get the prosecution thrown out. —Eric Tucker, Fortune, 24 Nov. 2025

From the outset, legal experts noted procedural irregularities that gave defense attorneys multiple avenues to challenge the charges. —Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Nov. 2025

Others—financial irregularities, illegalities, corruption—loom in the future. —Victor J. Blue, Harpers Magazine, 23 Nov. 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