# deformity

/dɪˈfɔɹməti/ (US) · /dɪfˈɔːmɪti/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/deformity
Updated: 2026-05-20

## Definition

a physical change in a body part that makes it look or work differently from normal. It can be something you are born with or something that happens later in life.

For teachers: a physical condition in which a body part or organ is malformed or misaligned. Often used in medical contexts to describe congenital or acquired structural abnormalities.

## Examples

- The doctor checked for any signs of a physical deformity.
- The surgeon performed a complex procedure to correct the deformity in the patient's spine.
- While some physical deformities are purely cosmetic, others can significantly impact a person's ability to perform daily tasks or maintain their health.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.