English · Word Candidate

abnormal

/ˌæbˈnɔː.məl/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: abnormals

Sense 1

Meaning · English

Not conforming to rule or system; deviating from the usual or normal type.

Adjective

Examples

And then after an abnormal meal, which was either a very late breakfast or a very early lunch, they drove on to Victoria Station.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

Of or pertaining to that which is irregular, in particular, behaviour that deviates from norms of social propriety or accepted standards of mental health.

Adjective

Examples

Furuseth was right; I was abnormal, an "emotionless monster," a strange bookish creature, capable of pleasuring in sensations only of the mind.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

A person or object that is not normal.

Noun

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “abnormal” mean?

Not conforming to rule or system; deviating from the usual or normal type.

Is “abnormal” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.