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abnormal

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //æbˈnɔɹməɫ// UK //ɐbnˈɔːməl// ab·nor·mal

adj. different from what is usual or expected, especially in a way that is worrying or harmful. You use this to describe things that do not follow the normal pattern.

adj. deviating from what is standard, normal, or expected, typically in a way that is undesirable or worrying. Often used in medical, statistical, or psychological contexts to describe outliers.


SIMPLE

The doctor said the test results were abnormal.

CONTEXTUAL

The city experienced abnormal rainfall this month, leading to unexpected flooding in the downtown area.

COMPLEX

While minor variations in heart rate are common, these abnormal readings suggest an underlying condition that requires further investigation by a specialist.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Origin

From ab- + normal. First attested in 1835, replacing the earlier anormal and even earlier abnormous, from Latin abnormis (“departing from normal”), from either ab- (“away from”) + norma (“rule, norm”), or Ancient Greek ἀνώμαλος (anṓmalos).

Usage

Often used as an attributive adjective before a noun, but can also follow linking verbs like 'be', 'seem', or 'appear'.

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