noun
Uncommon
anomaly
uh-NOM-uh-lih
Anomaly (noun) means something that deviates from what is normal or expected; an irregularity. Example: “The auditors flagged an anomaly in the company's accounts.”
noun
1
Something that deviates from what is normal or expected; an irregularity.
"The auditors flagged an anomaly in the company's accounts."
"Astronomers spotted an anomaly in the star's brightness."
How to use anomaly
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomething odd or unexpected that doesn't fit the usual pattern.
Common pairings
statistical anomaly
flag an anomaly
detect an anomaly
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Word forms
- Plural
- anomalies
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The auditors flagged an _____ in the company's accounts.
Etymology
From Latin anomalia, from Ancient Greek anomalia ("irregularity"), from anomalos ("uneven"), the opposite of homalos ("even, level").
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for anomaly
See all rhymes for anomaly →Frequently asked questions
What does “anomaly” mean?
The word “anomaly” means something that deviates from what is normal or expected; an irregularity. In plain terms, something odd or unexpected that doesn't fit the usual pattern.
How do you pronounce “anomaly”?
“Anomaly” is pronounced uh-NOM-uh-lih (/əˈnɑ.mə.li/ in IPA).
How do you use “anomaly” in a sentence?
Here is “anomaly” used in a sentence: “The auditors flagged an anomaly in the company's accounts.”
What is another word for “anomaly”?
Words with a similar meaning to “anomaly” include aberrant, abnormality, deviance, deviant, freak and farlie.
What part of speech is “anomaly”?
“Anomaly” is a noun.
Where does the word “anomaly” come from?
The word “anomaly” comes from Ancient Greek. From Latin anomalia, from Ancient Greek anomalia ("irregularity"), from anomalos ("uneven"), the opposite of homalos ("even, level").
Is “anomaly” a common word?
“Anomaly” is an uncommon word in modern English.
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