abnormal
gb/æbnˈɔɹməl/ us/æbnˈɔɹməl/
B2
English
~ 9600
rendellenes, abnormális, kóros
B2
1
rendellenes
B2
abnormális
C1
Usage pattern:
[something] is abnormal / abnormal [noun]
The doctors said his brain activity was abnormal for a person his age.
Az orvosok szerint az agyi aktivitása rendellenes volt egy vele egykorú emberéhez képest.
Her sudden and violent outburst was completely abnormal for someone usually so calm.
A hirtelen és heves kitörése teljesen szokatlan volt tőle, pedig általában nagyon nyugodt.
Scientists are studying the abnormal weather patterns seen over the last decade.
The teacher became concerned after noticing several cases of abnormal behavior in the classroom.
An abnormal increase in complaints suggested something was seriously wrong with the service.
Learner examples
The test showed an abnormal result, so I have to see the doctor again.
A vizsgálat rendellenes eredményt mutatott, ezért megint orvoshoz kell mennem.
It is abnormal for this area to be so hot in winter.
Rendellenes, hogy ezen a területen télen ennyire meleg legyen.
The child’s very quiet behavior seemed abnormal to his parents.
There was an abnormal amount of traffic on the road today.
The loud noise at night was abnormal for our quiet town.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes use "abnormal" to describe people in a direct way (e.g., "He is abnormal"), which can sound rude or offensive. It is usually safer to describe a specific thing instead, such as "abnormal behavior" or "abnormal results". Learners also confuse "abnormal" with informal words like "weird" or "crazy"; "abnormal" is more formal and often used in careful or serious contexts.
Meaning
not usual and often worrying
Collocations
abnormal behavior
|abnormal situation
|abnormal development
|abnormal pattern
|abnormal condition
|abnormal amount
Synonyms
unusual (More general and neutral; does not always suggest a problem, while "abnormal" usually does.)
|
irregular (Focuses on not following the usual pattern or rules; can be less emotionally loaded than "abnormal".)
|
atypical (More formal and neutral; often used in careful or academic description without strong judgment.)
Antonyms
normal (Describes what is usual, expected, or standard, the direct opposite of "abnormal".)
|
typical (Means common or characteristic of most cases, the opposite of something being unusual or abnormal.)
Themes
society
|health
|psychology
|daily_life
|emotions
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Different from what is normal or usual, in a way that may be bad or show that there is a problem.
Not usual or expected, and often considered worrying, wrong, or a sign that something is not right.
C1
TECHNICAL
2
kóros
C1
rendellenes
B2
Usage pattern:
abnormal [measurement/test/result/cells]
The scan revealed abnormal cells that need to be examined further.
A vizsgálat rendellenes sejteket mutatott ki, amelyeket tovább kell vizsgálni.
Your blood test shows abnormal liver enzyme levels, so we should repeat it next month.
A vérvizsgálata kóros májenzimértékeket mutat, ezért jövő hónapban meg kell ismételnünk.
An abnormal heartbeat was detected during the routine check-up.
The patient reported abnormal bleeding after the procedure.
Researchers found an abnormal pattern of brain activity in patients with the condition.
Learner examples
The doctor said my X-ray looked abnormal, so I have to do more tests.
Az orvos azt mondta, hogy a röntgenképemen kóros eltérés látszik, ezért további vizsgálatokra kell mennem.
They found abnormal cells in her blood sample.
Rendellenes sejteket találtak a vérmintájában.
An abnormal heartbeat can be a sign of heart problems.
The lab report shows abnormal levels of sugar in his blood.
This medicine may cause abnormal liver test results.
Common mistake:
Learners may not realize that in medical and scientific writing, "abnormal" can be neutral and descriptive, not always dramatic. For example, "abnormal test results" simply means the values are outside the standard range, not necessarily that a serious disease is confirmed. Learners also sometimes say "not normal cells" instead of the more natural phrase "abnormal cells" in technical contexts.
Meaning
not within normal healthy range
Collocations
abnormal cells
|abnormal test results
|abnormal heartbeat
|abnormal bleeding
|abnormal levels
|abnormal growth
Synonyms
pathological (Technical and stronger; clearly describes something caused by disease, not just different from the norm.)
|
deviant (In technical statistics, similar idea of departing from the norm, but in everyday use can strongly suggest social or moral disapproval.)
|
irregular (Can describe medical phenomena like an irregular heartbeat, but is less strictly tied to reference ranges than "abnormal".)
Antonyms
normal (In medical reports, used to say that tests or body parts are within the expected healthy range.)
|
within range (Technical phrase meaning a value is inside the standard or safe limits, the opposite of being abnormal in tests or measurements.)
Themes
health
|science
|medicine
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Used in science or medicine to say that a body part, test result, or measurement is not in the usual healthy range.
In medical or scientific contexts, differing from the standard, healthy, or expected state, especially in measurements, structures, or test results.
Grammar
Dictionary form
abnormal
IPA
GB/æbnˈɔɹməl/
US/æbnˈɔɹməl/
Syllables & stress
ab - nor - mal (3 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (nor)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: abnormal
Word family
Core family
abnormally
adverb B2
abnormality
noun C1
Negative and opposite forms
normal
adjective A2
Advanced or less common
normalization
noun C1
normality
noun
Expressions
abnormal behavior
1/æbnˈɔɹməl bɪhˈeɪvjɚ/
fixed phrase
behavior that is not normal
Behavior that is very different from usual behavior and may show that something is wrong.
Examples
- The teacher reported the child’s abnormal behavior to the school counselor.
- Abnormal behavior in pets can be a sign of illness.
abnormal cells
1/æbnˈɔɹməl sˈɛlz/
fixed phrase
technical
body cells that are not normal
Cells in the body that look or act different from healthy cells and may be a sign of disease.
Examples
- The biopsy showed abnormal cells, but more tests are needed.
- Pap tests are used to find abnormal cells before they become cancer.
abnormal growth
1/æbnˈɔɹməl ɡɹˈoʊθ/
fixed phrase
technical
unusual or unhealthy tissue growth
Growth of cells or tissue in the body that is not usual or healthy.
Examples
- The scan shows an abnormal growth on the lung that must be checked.
- Doctors are monitoring the abnormal growth to see if it changes.
abnormal levels
1/æbnˈɔɹməl lˈɛvəlz/
fixed phrase
technical
measured values outside normal range
Amounts or numbers, especially in medical tests, that are too high or too low compared to what is normal.
Examples
- The doctor is concerned about your abnormal levels of cholesterol.
- Abnormal levels of hormones can affect your mood and energy.
abnormal results
1/æbnˈɔɹməl ɹɪzˈʌlts/
fixed phrase
test results outside normal range
Test numbers or findings that are not in the usual or healthy range.
Examples
- The blood tests showed abnormal results, so further checks are needed.
- If you have abnormal results, the doctor will explain the next steps.