deformity
noun
de·for·mi·ty
di-ˈfȯr-mə-tē 
dē-
plural deformities
1
: the state of being deformed
2
: imperfection, blemish: such as
a
: a physical blemish or distortion : disfigurement
b
: a moral or aesthetic flaw or defect
Synonyms
Examples of deformity in a Sentence
a disease causing deformity of the spine
a primitive culture that cast aside infants born with deformities, allowing them to die of exposure to the elements
Recent Examples on the Web
While Clark’s siblings were released into the wild, Clark hatched in 2003 with a deformity that probably would have led to his quick demise in nature.
—
Sydney Page, Washington Post, 3 Apr. 2024
Of the remains of at least 36 baboons the researchers examined, only four looked healthy, with all others showing deformities.
—Joshua Rapp Learn, Discover Magazine, 12 Feb. 2024
She had been born a month before and diagnosed with an almost always fatal heart deformity.
—Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Nov. 2023
The disease can progress to causing eyebrow loss, enlarged nerves in the neck, nasal deformities and nerve damage.
—Robert A. Schwartz, Discover Magazine, 18 Mar. 2024
The risk of death and deformity increases with time in the millions of vehicles still needing repair.
—Detroit Free Press, 25 Feb. 2024
In the middle, like some scar or deformity, lies a jagged expanse of civilization, garish polychromatic swaths of development blending into one another with only jutting casino high-rises and the slash of Highway 50 serving as compass points.
—Sacramento Bee, 30 Jan. 2024
Different from a conehead that is a result of labor and delivery, infants can also develop skull deformities.
—Maria Carter, Parents, 16 Nov. 2023
The event supports the nonprofit’s efforts to provide free reconstructive surgery and health care services to disadvantaged children and young people with physical deformities.
—Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Mar. 2024
Sydney Page, Washington Post, 3 Apr. 2024
Of the remains of at least 36 baboons the researchers examined, only four looked healthy, with all others showing deformities.
—Joshua Rapp Learn, Discover Magazine, 12 Feb. 2024
She had been born a month before and diagnosed with an almost always fatal heart deformity.
—Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Nov. 2023
The disease can progress to causing eyebrow loss, enlarged nerves in the neck, nasal deformities and nerve damage.
—Robert A. Schwartz, Discover Magazine, 18 Mar. 2024
The risk of death and deformity increases with time in the millions of vehicles still needing repair.
—Detroit Free Press, 25 Feb. 2024
In the middle, like some scar or deformity, lies a jagged expanse of civilization, garish polychromatic swaths of development blending into one another with only jutting casino high-rises and the slash of Highway 50 serving as compass points.
—Sacramento Bee, 30 Jan. 2024
Different from a conehead that is a result of labor and delivery, infants can also develop skull deformities.
—Maria Carter, Parents, 16 Nov. 2023
The event supports the nonprofit’s efforts to provide free reconstructive surgery and health care services to disadvantaged children and young people with physical deformities.
—Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Mar. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'deformity.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near deformity
Cite this Entry
“Deformity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deformity. Accessed 18 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
deformity
noun
de·for·mi·ty
di-ˈfȯr-mət-ē
plural deformities
1
: the state of being deformed
2
: a physical blemish or twisting out of a natural shape or condition
3
: a morally disgusting or artistically ugly imperfection
Medical Definition
deformity
noun
de·for·mi·ty
di-ˈfȯr-mət-ē
plural deformities
1
: the state of being deformed
2
: a physical blemish or distortion
deformities caused by thalidomide
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