irregularity

Everyday

1. An irregularity is something that is not normal, even or regular: a bump, a gap or a change from the pattern. tree →
2. (formal) Something wrong or against the rules, often in money or voting: «financial irregularities». tree →
3. Being uneven or not following a pattern. tree →

In the lessons

Used in maths (irregular shapes and patterns), science (irregular heartbeat), grammar (irregular verbs) and formal news. It tells the reader something breaks a pattern or rule.

Examples

• The doctor noticed an irregularity in his heartbeat. tree →
• Look for the irregularity in the number pattern. tree →
• There were irregularities in the election. tree →
• The irregularity of the coastline makes it hard to measure. tree →
• Auditors found irregularities in the accounts. tree →
• The tiles had small irregularities. tree →

Note

Adjective: irregular. In grammar, irregular verbs do not add -ed (go → went). In maths, irregular shapes have sides or angles that are not all equal.