Irregularly: meaning, definitions and examples

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irregularly

 

[ ɪˈrɛɡjʊlərli ]

Adverb / Adjective
Context #1 | Adverb

used to describe something happening in an unpredictable or inconsistent manner

Not following a predictable pattern or schedule; randomly or sporadically. Occurring at varying intervals; not regularly.

Synonyms

erratically, inconsistently, randomly, sporadically, unpredictably

Examples of usage

  • The bus arrives irregularly, so it's hard to plan around its schedule.
  • She checked her email irregularly, sometimes going days without looking at it.
  • The team's performance has been irregular, with some wins and some losses.
  • The rainfall in this region is irregular, with dry spells followed by heavy downpours.
  • He takes breaks irregularly throughout the day, rather than at set times.
Context #2 | Adjective

not following a regular pattern or shape; not conforming to established rules or standards

Not conforming to established rules, patterns, or standards; not regular or symmetrical. Deviating from the norm or usual practice.

Synonyms

abnormal, anomalous, nonconforming, unpredictable, unusual

Examples of usage

  • The irregular shape of the rock made it difficult to fit into the puzzle.
  • She has an irregular work schedule that changes every week.
  • The irregular heartbeat was a cause for concern.
  • The irregular spacing between the trees gave the forest a unique character.
  • His irregular behavior raised suspicions among his colleagues.

Translations

Translations of the word "irregularly" in other languages:

🇵🇹 irregularmente

🇮🇳 अनियमित रूप से

🇩🇪 unregelmäßig

🇮🇩 tidak teratur

🇺🇦 нерегулярно

🇵🇱 nieregularnie

🇯🇵 不規則に

🇫🇷 irrégulièrement

🇪🇸 irregularmente

🇹🇷 düzensiz olarak

🇰🇷 불규칙적으로

🇸🇦 بشكل غير منتظم

🇨🇿 nepravidelně

🇸🇰 nepravidelne

🇨🇳 不规则地

🇸🇮 nepravilno

🇮🇸 óreglulega

🇰🇿 тұрақсыз

🇬🇪 არარეგულარულად

🇦🇿 qeyri-müntəzəm olaraq

🇲🇽 irregularmente

Etymology

The word 'irregularly' is derived from the Latin word 'irregularis' which combines 'in-' (not) and 'regularis' (regular). It has been used in English since the 16th century. The concept of irregularity has been explored in various fields, from mathematics to biology. In language, irregular verbs and irregular plurals are examples of irregularity. The adverb 'irregularly' highlights the absence of a regular pattern or schedule, emphasizing unpredictability and inconsistency.

See also: irregular, regular, regularity, regularize, regularly, regulars.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,430, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.