abnormality

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'abnormality' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that is unusual, unexpected, or not normal. For example, "The doctors found an abnormality in the X-ray of his lungs."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

So to call something a disease involves both a claim about the abnormal functioning of some bodily system and a judgment that the resulting abnormality is a bad one.

SEP

The sheer abnormality of his actions themselves suggested some element of mental disorder," said Lord Judge.

The Guardian

This is an important debate to have now as Northern Ireland's Department of Justice launches its consultation on access to abortion in the cases of rape, incest and fatal foetal abnormality.

The Guardian - Opinion

Couples who have been happily pregnant but found out that the foetus had a fatal abnormality have had to go to England for an abortion and then transport the foetal remains back home to have a proper burial.

The Guardian - Opinion

However, our poll shows a clear majority in Northern Ireland in favour of access to abortion in the cases of rape (69%), incest (68%) and fatal foetal abnormality (where the foetus has no chance of surviving outside of the womb, 60%).

The Guardian - Opinion

The abnormality of Palestinian life, with 53% of the workforce unemployed, feeds the violence.

The Economist

It was only when her entire genome was sequenced that a genetic abnormality revealed the problem, allowing doctors to find a drug that transformed her life.

The Economist

The abnormality rate he observed was much higher than those seen when the procedure is carried out on other species.

The Economist

Most doctors dislike it (see chart 4 .At the Lavender Hill Group Practice in south-west London, a general practitioner (GP), Dr Helen Lucas (who happens to be your correspondent's sister), is dealing with a baby suffering from a potentially serious abnormality.

The Economist

As long as researchers understand the crucial molecular abnormality in a cancer, design a drug to fix that problem, and use it in only in patients who have that molecular anomaly, then such targeted therapies can be effective.The need for combinationsIn general, the academic community and pharmaceutical companies agree with this assessment.

The Economist

Yet after a systematic campaign by the new governor, the two measures were approved by large margins.Eventually, the reason for this abnormality comes bounding on to the stage in a dapper cream suit.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about medical or scientific contexts, use "abnormality" to denote a deviation from normal physiological or anatomical structures and functions.

Common error

Avoid using "abnormality" as a direct synonym for disability. While an abnormality might contribute to a disability, the latter is a broader term encompassing functional limitations and societal barriers.

Linguistic Context

The word "abnormality" functions primarily as a noun. It refers to the state or quality of being abnormal, denoting a deviation from what is considered normal or typical. Ludwig provides many examples in scientific and medical contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

32%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "abnormality" is a noun that describes a deviation from the norm, frequently used in scientific, medical, and news contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. While generally neutral, it's important to be mindful of potential negative connotations, especially when discussing human traits or conditions. Consider synonyms like "irregularity" or "anomaly" to fine-tune your meaning. Remember to avoid using "abnormality" as a direct synonym for disability, and aim for precise language when discussing sensitive topics.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

irregularity

Focuses on the deviation from a consistent pattern or standard.

anomaly

Emphasizes the unusual or unexpected nature of the deviation.

deviation

Highlights the act of departing from an established course or norm.

variation

Suggests a difference or change from the typical state.

aberration

Implies a departure from what is normal, usual, or expected, often with a negative connotation.

malformation

Specifically refers to an irregularity in the formation of a body part or structure.

defect

Highlights an imperfection or deficiency.

unusualness

Emphasizes the quality of being not ordinary or common.

atypicality

Highlights the characteristic of not being representative of a type, group, or class.

eccentricity

Suggests behavior that is unconventional and slightly strange.

FAQs

How can I use "abnormality" in a sentence?

"Abnormality" is used to describe a state or condition that deviates from what is considered normal or typical. For example, "The scan revealed an abnormality in the patient's heart."

What are some synonyms for "abnormality"?

Synonyms for "abnormality" include "irregularity", "anomaly", and "deviation". The choice depends on the specific context.

Is "abnormality" a negative term?

The term "abnormality" is generally neutral but can carry a negative connotation depending on the context. In medical or scientific settings, it simply indicates a deviation from the norm. In social contexts, it may imply something undesirable.

What's the difference between "abnormality" and "disorder"?

"Abnormality" refers to any deviation from the normal structure or function, while "disorder" typically implies a disruption of normal functions, often leading to specific symptoms or impairments. A genetic "abnormality" can cause a genetic disorder.