Word
abnormal
Phoneticsab·nor·mal, stress on the second syllable
US/æbˈnɔɹməɫ/
UK/ɐbnˈɔːməl/
Definitions
01unusual or irregular
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. different from what is normal or expected, especially in a way that is not good.
adj. deviating from a standard, rule, or typical pattern; often used in technical or medical contexts to describe results outside the expected range.
“The doctor said the test results were abnormal and ordered more scans.”
“The meteorological station recorded abnormal temperature fluctuations throughout the month, suggesting a significant shift in regional climate patterns.”
Usage
Often used to describe data, physical conditions, or weather patterns.
02socially or mentally unusual
C1 · Advanced Formal
adj. behaving in a way that is not considered social or healthy by most people.
adj. pertaining to behaviour that deviates from social norms or accepted standards of psychological health.
“The suspect showed abnormal behaviour during the police interview.”
“Psychologists noted that the subject's abnormal reactions to social stimuli were consistent with a rare neurological condition.”
Teaching tip
In modern social contexts, this can sound judgmental; 'atypical' or 'unconventional' are often softer alternatives.
Antonyms
03an unusual person or thing
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Formal · Archaic
n. a person or thing that is not normal.
n. an individual or object that deviates from the norm; used as a substantive noun.
“In this group of healthy plants, this stunted one is an abnormal.”
“The researcher categorised the outliers as abnormals to be studied separately from the control group.”
Usage
Rarely used as a noun in modern English; usually functions as an adjective.
Antonyms
Real-World Examples
“That helps you learn what looks and feels normal for you, making it easier to notice any abnormal changes.” “A few days later, I received a follow-up text to say there were no abnormal skin changes that required treatment.” Etymology
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).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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