abnormal

1 of 2

adjective

ab·​nor·​mal (ˌ)ab-ˈnȯr-məl How to pronounce abnormal (audio)
əb-
: deviating from the normal or average
a person with abnormal [=exceptional] strength
abnormal powers of concentration
often : unusual in an unwelcome or problematic way
abnormal behavior
abnormal test results
abnormally adverb
behaving abnormally

abnormal

2 of 2

noun

: an abnormal person

Examples of abnormal in a Sentence

Adjective The results of the blood test were abnormal. a completely abnormal school day, because half of the kids were out sick
Recent Examples on the Web
Adjective
They can be used to manage and treat a myriad of gynecologic issues, such as abnormal uterine bleeding, and can be protective against conditions like uterine hyperplasia and endometrial cancer. Dominique Fluker, Essence, 28 Oct. 2024 Fingers are used by medical professionals to, for example, take your pulse, to feel around for abnormal lumps in tissues under the skin, and they’re inserted into, well, dark, warm places for diagnostic purposes. New Atlas, 9 Oct. 2024
Noun
Being there on Tuesday felt like the new abnormal. Terry Blain Special To The Star Tribune, Star Tribune, 5 Aug. 2020 Welcome to the new abnormal. Seth Borenstein, Anchorage Daily News, 9 Dec. 2022 See all Example Sentences for abnormal 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'abnormal.' 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

Adjective

New Latin abnormis "deviating from the average" (going back to Medieval Latin, "not conforming to rule," going back to Latin, "belonging to no school of philosophy," from ab- ab- + norma "carpenter's rule, pattern") + -al entry 1 — more at norm

Noun

noun derivative of abnormal entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective

1817, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1857, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of abnormal was in 1817

Dictionary Entries Near abnormal

Cite this Entry

“Abnormal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/abnormal. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

abnormal

adjective
ab·​nor·​mal
(ˈ)ab-ˈnȯr-məl
: differing from the normal or average : unusual
abnormally
-mə-lē
adverb

Medical Definition

abnormal

1 of 2 adjective
ab·​nor·​mal (ˈ)ab-ˈnȯr-məl How to pronounce abnormal (audio)
: deviating from the normal, average, or expected
abnormal development
results of the Pap smear were abnormal
abnormal actions departing from accepted standards of social behavior
abnormally adverb

abnormal

2 of 2 noun
: an abnormal person

More from Merriam-Webster on abnormal

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!