abnormal

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'abnormal' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is not normal or usual in a particular situation. Example: She showed abnormal behavior during the presentation, which was unexpected.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

According to Harms, though, what happened at the Honda was not abnormal.

The Guardian - Sport

Reasons include abnormal heart rate in the baby, meconium staining and the need to repair the vaginal area after the birth.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Epileptic seizures are brought on by abnormal electrical activity in the brain.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

When a lot of history has been shared, it feels abnormal to institute the proverbial clean break.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

There's a host of clever connected health ideas: Intel made a smart band that tracks how much patients with Parkinsons shake, collecting more accurate data than with paper and pen; Sonamba monitors daily activities of senior or ill people, to watch for dangerous anomalies; and people with heart disease can use AliveCore to detect abnormal heart rhythms.

The Guardian - Tech

The foreign ministry had to conduct an internal investigation, which concluded that its relationship with Mr Suzuki had been "abnormal".

The Economist

Mr Normal comes to power at an abnormal time, with the debt crisis taking another lurch for the worse.

The Economist

But Mr Schrempp decided the group was not big enough for two abnormal egos.

The Economist

A rehabilitation centre for Qatari boyat has been set up, but a local report says that as many as 70% of them refuse to give up their "abnormal behaviour .In this section Oil, glorious oil Patience, the essential virtue Stagnation stirs everything up Swing along again Reopening the old sectarian wounds Still fraught Will he, won't he, join the dance?

The Economist

This has nothing to do with the embarrassments he talks about with unflinching and abnormal honesty collapsing drunk through the screen door of a girlfriend's house, or dating a stripper called "Marie the Flame of Florida".

The Economist

Using MRI, her team detected a network of abnormal memory traces in the brains of people with this condition.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "abnormal", ensure the context clearly defines what is considered 'normal' to avoid ambiguity. For example, in medical contexts, specify the normal range or expected value to highlight the deviation.

Common error

Avoid using "abnormal" as a vague descriptor of something you dislike or disagree with. Instead, provide specific details about what deviates from the norm or accepted standard to make your point more effective.

Linguistic Context

The word "abnormal" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns to indicate a deviation from what is considered standard or typical. As Ludwig AI states, the word is grammatically correct and used to describe something that is not normal or usual.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "abnormal" is a versatile adjective used to describe deviations from the norm across various contexts, including medical, social, and statistical domains. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and widely accepted in written English. Its frequent appearance in News & Media sources and scientific publications highlights its relevance in both journalistic reporting and formal scientific discourse. To use "abnormal" effectively, ensure the context clearly defines what constitutes 'normal' to avoid any ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "atypical" or "unusual" to add nuance to your writing. Avoiding its misuse as a general descriptor without providing specifics will enhance clarity and precision in your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

atypical

This term emphasizes a departure from the typical or usual characteristics of something.

unusual

This term suggests that something is not commonly encountered or observed.

irregular

This term indicates a deviation from established rules, methods, or patterns.

anomalous

This term highlights an inconsistency or deviation from what is standard, normal, or expected.

deviant

This term is often used when describing behavior that departs from social or ethical norms.

Aberrant

This term suggests a departure from the normal or expected path, often implying something negative.

peculiar

This term implies something strange or odd.

extraordinary

This term indicates something beyond what is ordinary or usual.

unnatural

This term suggests something contrary to the natural order or what is normally expected in nature.

odd

This term indicates something strange or unusual.

FAQs

How can I use "abnormal" in a sentence?

You can use "abnormal" to describe something that deviates from what is considered normal or typical. For example, "The patient's blood test results showed "abnormal levels" of glucose."

What are some alternatives to "abnormal"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "atypical", "unusual", or "irregular".

Is it always negative to describe something as "abnormal"?

Not necessarily. While "abnormal" often implies a deviation from a desired or expected state, it can also be used neutrally to simply describe something that is not typical. The connotation depends on the context.

What's the difference between "abnormal" and "unnatural"?

"Abnormal" generally means deviating from the statistical norm, while "unnatural" implies something contrary to the laws or principles of nature. Something can be "abnormal" without being "unnatural", and vice versa.