ab·nor·mal
(ˌ)ab-ˈnȯr-məl 
əb-
: deviating from the normal or average
a person with abnormal [=exceptional] strength
abnormal powers of concentration
often
: unusual in an unwelcome or problematic way
abnormal behavior
abnormal test results
: an abnormal person
Synonyms
Examples of abnormal in a Sentence
Adjective
The results of the blood test were abnormal.
a completely abnormal school day, because half of the kids were out sick
Recent Examples on the Web
Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 3 June 2024
The caller informed her that her chest X-ray, a routine pre-procedure test, was abnormal.
—Lisa Sanders, M.d., New York Times, 16 May 2024
Terry Blain Special To The Star Tribune, Star Tribune, 5 Aug. 2020
Welcome to the new abnormal.
—Seth Borenstein, Anchorage Daily News, 9 Dec. 2022
See all Example Sentences for abnormal 
Adjective
Nothing appeared abnormal on brain scans, and she was repeatedly referred to an addiction specialist and psychiatrists over seven doctors visits in two years, doctors said.
—Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 3 June 2024
The caller informed her that her chest X-ray, a routine pre-procedure test, was abnormal.
—Lisa Sanders, M.d., New York Times, 16 May 2024
Noun
Being there on Tuesday felt like the new abnormal.
—Terry Blain Special To The Star Tribune, Star Tribune, 5 Aug. 2020
Welcome to the new abnormal.
—Seth Borenstein, Anchorage Daily News, 9 Dec. 2022
See all Example Sentences for abnormal
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'abnormal.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near abnormal
Cite this Entry
“Abnormal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/abnormal. Accessed 6 Jun. 2024.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
abnormal
1 of 2 adjective
ab·nor·mal
(ˈ)ab-ˈnȯr-məl
: deviating from the normal, average, or expected
abnormal development
results of the Pap smear were abnormal
abnormal actions departing from accepted standards of social behavior
abnormal
2 of 2 noun
: an abnormal person
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