irregularity

noun

ir·​reg·​u·​lar·​i·​ty i-ˌre-gyə-ˈler-ə-tē How to pronounce irregularity (audio)
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

Examples of irregularity in a Sentence

the irregularity of his behavior He is suffering from irregularity.
Recent Examples on the Web In 2020, Putin engineered changes to the constitution in a nationwide vote marred by irregularities that allowed him at least two more six-year terms. Robyn Dixon, Washington Post, 14 Mar. 2024 Being underweight increases the risk of bone less, delayed wound healing, nutrient deficiencies, anemia, heart irregularities, bone vessel disease and the loss of periods, troubles getting pregnant, depression and osteoporosis in women. Arianna Johnson, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 Discovering irregularities in images — typically of experiments involving mice, gels or blots — has become a larger priority of scientific journals’ work. Evan Bush, NBC News, 14 Feb. 2024 At least four times in 2023, Wisconsin Watch found, judges in Wisconsin and three other states took the extraordinary step of ordering new elections after finding irregularities in the original balloting in local races decided by thin margins. Tom Kertscher, Journal Sentinel, 29 Jan. 2024 Following the arrest, officers noticed irregularities in Santana's personal identification records. Timothy Nerozzi, Fox News, 7 Mar. 2024 Ruby Corado, 53, the founder of Casa Ruby, had allegedly fled the United States after financial irregularities at the nonprofit became public in 2022, according to the U.S. attorney’s office for the District. Casey Parks, Washington Post, 6 Mar. 2024 Additionally, experts said, the substance of what a speaker is saying should be examined for irregularities. Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 20 Feb. 2024 On the Democratic side in 2016, Hillary Clinton edged Bernie Sanders by just 0.3 percentage points, with Sanders supporters citing counting and reporting irregularities. Bridget Bowman, NBC News, 10 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'irregularity.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of irregularity was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near irregularity

Cite this Entry

“Irregularity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/irregularity. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

irregularity

noun
ir·​reg·​u·​lar·​i·​ty (ˌ)ir-ˌ(r)eg-yə-ˈlar-ət-ē How to pronounce irregularity (audio)
plural irregularities
1
: the quality or state of being irregular
2
: something (as dishonest conduct) that is irregular
3

Medical Definition

irregularity

noun
ir·​reg·​u·​lar·​i·​ty (ˌ)ir-ˌ(r)eg-yə-ˈlar-ət-ē How to pronounce irregularity (audio)
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 How to pronounce irregularity (audio)
plural irregularities
: something that is irregular
an irregularity in the proceeding
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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