irregular
ih-REHG-yuu-luh
Irregular (adj) means not following a regular pattern, schedule, or set of rules. Example: “His heartbeat was irregular, so the doctor ordered more tests.”
adj
1
Not following a regular pattern, schedule, or set of rules.
"His heartbeat was irregular, so the doctor ordered more tests."
"The trains ran on an irregular schedule during the holidays."
"She works irregular hours, so we rarely have dinner together."
2
In grammar, not following the standard patterns of conjugation or inflection.
""Go/went/gone" is an irregular verb in English."
How to use irregular
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishUneven, unpredictable, or not conforming to the usual pattern or rule.
Common pairings
irregular verb
irregular heartbeat
irregular shape
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Word forms
- Plural
- irregulars
- Comparative
- more irregular
- Superlative
- most irregular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
His heartbeat was _____, so the doctor ordered more tests.
Etymology
From Old French irreguler, from Late Latin irrēgulāris, from in- ("not") plus regularis ("regular").
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for irregular
See all rhymes for irregular →Frequently asked questions
What does “irregular” mean?
The word “irregular” means not following a regular pattern, schedule, or set of rules. In plain terms, uneven, unpredictable, or not conforming to the usual pattern or rule.
How do you pronounce “irregular”?
“Irregular” is pronounced ih-REHG-yuu-luh (/ɪˈɹɛɡ.jə.lɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “irregular” in a sentence?
Here is “irregular” used in a sentence: “His heartbeat was irregular, so the doctor ordered more tests.”
What is another word for “irregular”?
Words with a similar meaning to “irregular” include abnormal, singular, salebrous and unsteady.
What is the opposite of “irregular”?
The opposite of “irregular” — its antonyms — is regular.
What part of speech is “irregular”?
“Irregular” is an adjective.
Where does the word “irregular” come from?
The word “irregular” comes from Late Latin. From Old French irreguler, from Late Latin irrēgulāris, from in- ("not") plus regularis ("regular").
Is “irregular” a common word?
“Irregular” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between irregular and abnormal?
Irregular describes something that doesn't follow a regular pattern, schedule, or set of rules, while abnormal more strongly implies deviation from what is normal or healthy. Irregular is often a neutral, descriptive term, whereas abnormal can carry a more negative or clinical tone.
What does irregular mean in grammar?
In grammar, irregular describes a verb or word that does not follow the standard patterns of conjugation or inflection, such as "go/went" instead of adding "-ed." Irregular verbs must generally be memorised rather than formed by rule.
What is an example of an irregular verb?
An irregular verb is one that does not follow the standard patterns of conjugation, such as "be/was/been" or "eat/ate/eaten," rather than taking a regular "-ed" ending. English has many common irregular verbs used every day.
