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
Synonyms of irregularitynext
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
: constipation

Examples of irregularity in a Sentence

the irregularity of his behavior He is suffering from irregularity.
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.
This divergence reflects both short-term irregularities in how fast Earth rotates, and a very gradual, long-term slowdown of Earth’s rotation, caused primarily by the Moon’s gravitational pull on Earth’s oceans. — Vahe Peroomian, The Conversation, 8 Oct. 2026 After finding irregularities, Lakeside asked another police department to investigate the records, leading to the criminal charges. — Brian Maass, CBS News, 7 Oct. 2026 The irregularity was that Malagò was not registered as a member of the soccer federation at the time of the election in June. — ABC News, 6 Oct. 2026 When a stainless steel pan is cold, its surface is covered with a bunch of microscopic irregularities. — Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for irregularity

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

Rhymes for irregularity

See All Rhymes for irregularity

Browse Nearby Words

Irregularia
irregularity
irregularly
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Irregularity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/irregularity. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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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
: constipation

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

More from Merriam-Webster on irregularity

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for irregularity

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