Meaning of irregular in English

1. Pronunciation

   /əˈrɛɡjələr/

   US accent

   How to pronounce irregular in American English, in context ▾
   Use the controls below to browse different examples of pronunciation.

   UK accent

   How to pronounce irregular in British English, in context ▾
   Use the controls below to browse different examples of pronunciation.

1. Classifying Adjective

   irregular

   Definitions

   1. not occurring at expected times

   Synonyms

   • sporadic
2. 2. deviating from what is usual or common or to be expected

   Examples

   • « often somewhat odd or strange »
   • « these days large families are atypical »
   • « highly irregular behavior »

   Synonyms

   • abnormal
3. 3. lacking continuity or regularity

   Examples

   • « an irregular worker »
   • « employed on a temporary basis »

   Synonyms

   • part-time
4. 4. of a surface

   Examples

   • « not level or flat »
   • « walking was difficult on the irregular cobblestoned surface »

   Synonyms

   • uneven
5. 5. used of independent armed resistance forces

   Examples

   • « guerrilla warfare »
   • « partisan forces »

   Synonyms

   • partisan
   • partizan
6. 6. independent in behavior or thought

   Examples

   • « she led a somewhat irregular private life »
   • « maverick politicians »

   Synonyms

   • unconventional

7. Noun

   irregular

   Definitions

   1. a member of an irregular armed force that fights a stronger force by sabotage and harassment
8. 2. merchandise that has imperfections

   Examples

   • « usually sold at a reduced price without the brand name »

9. Qualitative Adjective

   irregular

   Etymology

   late Middle English (in the sense ‘not conforming to rule (especially that of the Church’)): via Old French from medieval Latin irregularis, from in-‘not’ + regularis (see regular)

   Definitions

   1. contrary to rule or accepted order or general practice

   Examples

   • « irregular hiring practices »

   Synonyms

   • arrhythmic
   • jerking
   • jerky
   • unsteady
   • asymmetrical
   • crooked
   • casual
   • occasional
   • improper
   • unconventional
   • unlawful
   • randomized
   • randomised
   • strong
   • substandard

   Antonyms

   • regular
10. 2. (of solids) not having clear dimensions that can be measured

    Examples

    • « volume must be determined with the principle of liquid displacement »

    Antonyms

    • regular
11. 3. used of the military

    Examples

    • « not belonging to or engaged in by regular army forces »
    • « irregular troops »
    • « irregular warfare »

    Antonyms

    • regular

See also

• partisan