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
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.
Adjective
Overall, healthcare providers consider vaginal bleeding, even if only spotting, after menopause to be an abnormal symptom. Jess Sims, Health, 15 Dec. 2024 Increasing screening rates, expanding healthcare access, and ensuring follow-up care after abnormal mammograms could make a difference. Liz Neporent, ABC News, 10 Dec. 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 

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 21 Dec. 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
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