abnormality

noun

ab·​nor·​mal·​i·​ty ˌab-nər-ˈma-lə-tē How to pronounce abnormality (audio)
-(ˌ)nȯr-
plural abnormalities
Synonyms of abnormalitynext
1
: something abnormal
2
: the quality or state of being abnormal

Examples of abnormality in a Sentence

The test results showed several genetic abnormalities. There was some abnormality in his vision.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Medical experts at the time suspected her death was caused by a brain abnormality that ruptured because of the intensity of the ride. Blake Ellis, CNN Money, 27 Aug. 2026 Physicians needed to decide what to do if a pregnant woman came to the ER suffering from organ failure, or carrying a fetus with a fatal abnormality. Literary Hub, 26 Aug. 2026 After her annual mammogram showed abnormalities, Oteri hadn’t initially been concerned. Eileen Finan, PEOPLE, 26 Aug. 2026 The scan would serve as an additional safeguard, since breast MRIs can detect abnormalities that mammograms miss. Lauren Sausser, Miami Herald, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for abnormality

Word History

Etymology

abnormal entry 1 + -ity

First Known Use

1847, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of abnormality was in 1847

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Abnormality.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/abnormality. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

Kids Definition

abnormality

noun
ab·​nor·​mal·​i·​ty ˌab-nər-ˈmal-ət-ē How to pronounce abnormality (audio)
-(ˌ)nȯr-
plural abnormalities
1
: the state of being abnormal
2
: something abnormal

Medical Definition

abnormality

noun
plural abnormalities
1
: the quality or state of being abnormal
2
: something abnormal
brain-wave abnormalities
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