irregular

The definition of irregular is something that doesn't conform to accepted or normal standards or that doesn't occur at regular intervals.

(adjective)

  1. When you go to the doctor on no set schedule, this is an example of a situation where you make irregular visits to the doctor.
  2. When you do not behave like your usual self, this is an example of a situation where your behavior is irregular.

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See irregular in Webster's New World College Dictionary

adjective

  1. not conforming to established rule, method, usage, standard, etc.; out of the ordinary; anomalous
  2. not conforming to legal or moral requirements; lawless; disorderly
  3. not straight or even; not symmetrical; not uniform in shape, design, or proportion
  4. uneven in occurrence or succession; variable or erratic
  5. ☆ having minor flaws or imperfections: said of merchandise
  6. experiencing constipation
  7. Bot. not uniform in shape, size, etc. as the petals of a flower
  8. Gram. not inflected in the usual way: “go” is an irregular verb
  9. Mil. not belonging to the regularly established army

Origin: ME < OFr irregulier < ML irregularis: see in- & regular

noun

  1. a person or thing that is irregular
  2. a soldier who belongs to an irregular military force
  3. ☆ irregular merchandise

Related Forms:

See irregular in American Heritage Dictionary 4

adjective
  1. Contrary to rule, accepted order, or general practice: irregular hiring practices.
  2. Not conforming to legality, moral law, or social convention: an irregular marriage.
  3. Not straight, uniform, or symmetrical: irregular facial features.
  4. Of uneven rate, occurrence, or duration: an irregular heartbeat.
  5. Deviating from a type; atypical.
  6. Botany Having differing floral parts, as of a zygomorphic or asymmetrical flower.
  7. Falling below the manufacturer's standard or usual specifications; imperfect.
  8. Grammar Departing from the usual pattern of inflection, derivation, or word formation, as the present forms of the verb be or the plural noun children.
  9. Not belonging to a permanent, organized military force: irregular troops.
noun
  1. One, such as an item of merchandise, that is irregular.
  2. A soldier, such as a guerrilla, who is not a member of a regular military force.

Related Forms:

  • ir·regˈu·lar·ly adverb

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