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.
Serbia is formally seeking European Union entry but the effort has been stalled under Vucic due to democratic backsliding, including election irregularities in previous votes. — ABC News, 5 Sep. 2026 Mundubile has alleged irregularities and election observers have also reported inflated vote tallies and improper administration. — Adrian Elimian, semafor.com, 4 Sep. 2026 The Tates were formally indicted in that case in 2023, but a Romanian court sent the case back to prosecutors after finding legal and procedural irregularities. — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 4 Sep. 2026 Bartiromo was one of the main hosts on Fox promoting the false claims of irregularities with the election. — Dade Hayes, Deadline, 4 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 7 Sep. 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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