abnormalities

IPA/ˌæb.nɔːˈmæl.ə.ti/
KK[ˌæbnɔrmˈælətiz]IPA/ˌæb.nɔːrˈmæl.ə.t̬i/

abnormalities — noun

  • abnormalitiessingular
  • abnormalitiesesplural

1. things in the body, in a test, or in a pattern that are not normal and may show

1.nounC1
Definition

things in the body, in a test, or in a pattern that are not normal and may show a problem

Example

The scan showed abnormalities in both of Rafael's kidneys.

show abnormalities in a scan result

Doctors found several abnormalities in Theo's heartbeat after the race.

find abnormalities in a body process

Common collocations
  • detect abnormalities
  • genetic abnormalities
  • speech abnormalities
  • abnormalities on the scan
  • abnormalities in growth
Synonyms
  • anomalies

    more technical and often used in scientific or data-heavy contexts

  • irregularities

    often focuses on a pattern or rhythm that does not follow the usual form

  • defects

    stronger; suggests clearer faults rather than unusual findings

Antonyms

Grammar Patterns

show abnormalities

find abnormalities in the heart

no abnormalities were found

Usage Note

Usually refers to more than one unusual sign or finding, especially in scans, tests, or development reports. If you mean one finding, the singular form abnormality is more common.

Common Mistakes

The scan showed an abnormalities in her lungs.
The scan showed abnormalities in her lungs.
this headword is plural, so do not use it with 'an'.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

'Abnormalities' is a broad formal word for findings that fall outside the expected or healthy range, especially in medicine, testing, or development reports. 'Anomalies' sounds more technical and is common in science, data, or official analysis. 'Irregularities' usually points to a repeated pattern, rhythm, or process that is not following its usual course. 'Defects' is stronger and more negative because it suggests a clearer fault instead of a sign that still needs explanation.

abnormalities ↗anomalies ↗irregularities ↗defects ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

  • brain abnormalities
  • genetic abnormalities
  • heart abnormalities

Phrases

  • detect abnormalities
  • find abnormalities
  • show abnormalities

Prepositions

  • abnormalities in

Etymology

LatinEnglish

Built in English from the adjective 'abnormal' and the noun-forming ending '-ity'; the plural form 'abnormalities' is used when talking about more than one unusual finding. 'Abnormal' ultimately goes back to Latin 'abnormis', meaning 'away from the rule or standard', from 'ab-' meaning 'away from' and 'norma' meaning 'rule' or 'pattern'.

First known use

1847

1847, in the meaning defined at sense 1