Word
irregularly
Phoneticsir·reg·u·lar·ly, stress on the second syllable
US/ˌɪˈɹɛɡjəɫɝɫi/
UK/ɪɹˈɛɡjuːləli/
Definition
adv. in a way that is not regular or happens at different times. You use this when something does not follow a fixed pattern.
adv. in a manner that is not uniform, systematic, or predictable. Often describes the frequency or timing of an event.
Examples
“The bus arrives irregularly because of the heavy rain.”
“The company sends out updates irregularly, so you should check the website every few days to stay informed.”
“While the initial data suggested a steady decline, the subsequent reports showed that the trend was actually occurring irregularly, with several months of stability followed by sudden spikes.”
Examples
simple
“The bus arrives irregularly because of the heavy rain.”
contextual
“The company sends out updates irregularly, so you should check the website every few days to stay informed.”
complex
“While the initial data suggested a steady decline, the subsequent reports showed that the trend was actually occurring irregularly, with several months of stability followed by sudden spikes.”
Real-World Examples
“They are also irregularly shaped, looking a bit like space potatoes.” “The red planet has two small, irregularly shaped moons called Phobos and Deimos.” “TIME OF YEAR: Flowering and fruiting irregularly during the year but favors March to October.” Etymology
From irregular + -ly.
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
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/irregularly