abnormal

The word “abnormal” means different from what is usual, expected, or average; not normal. In plain terms, not typical — outside the usual range, often in a medical or statistical sense.

“Abnormal” is pronounced ab-NAW-muhl (/ˌæbˈnɔɹ.ml̩/ in IPA).

Here is “abnormal” used in a sentence: “The blood test showed abnormal levels of iron.”

“Abnormal” is an adjective.

The word “abnormal” comes from Latin. From ab- ("away from") + normal, itself from Latin norma ("rule, pattern").

“Abnormal” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

Abnormal describes something that deviates from what is usual, expected, or average, often implying a departure from a norm or standard. "Unusual" is broader and more neutral, while "abnormal" can carry a stronger sense of measurable deviation, especially in medical or statistical contexts.

In everyday conversation, describing a person as "abnormal" can sound clinical or blunt because it directly implies they differ from a norm. In medical, statistical, or scientific contexts the word is used neutrally, but outside those settings gentler alternatives are often preferred.

"Abnormal" is the adjective used to modify a noun, as in "an abnormal result" or "an abnormal reading," while "abnormality" is the noun form naming the deviation itself. Choose the adjective when describing a thing or condition, and the noun when naming the deviation as a concept.