irregular
Noun · AdjectiveOpen English WordNet
Adjective (9)
- contrary to rule or accepted order or general practice“irregular hiring practices”Opposite regularSimilar improper, asymmetrical, randomized, casual, strongRelates to regularitySee also illegal, unrhythmical, rough, unsteady, asymmetrical, unsystematic
- not occurring at a regular rate or fixed intervals“an irregular heartbeat”Synonyms: unpredictableOpposite continualSimilar sporadic
- (used of the military) not belonging to or engaged in by regular army forces“irregular troops”“irregular warfare”Opposite regularSee also partisan, partizan
- (of solids) not having clear dimensions that can be measured; volume must be determined with the principle of liquid displacementOpposite regular
- failing to meet a standard of manufacture due to an imperfection“an irregular pair of jeans”Opposite perfectSimilar imperfect
- deviating from normal expectations; somewhat odd, strange, or abnormal“these days large families are atypical”“atypical clinical findings”“atypical pneumonia”“highly irregular behavior”Synonyms: atypicalOpposite normalSimilar abnormal, unnatural
- lacking continuity or regularity“an irregular worker”“employed on a temporary basis”Synonyms: temporary
- (of a surface or shape); not level or flat or symmetrical“walking was difficult on the irregular cobblestoned surface”
- independent in behavior or thought“she led a somewhat irregular private life”“maverick politicians”Synonyms: maverickunorthodox
Noun (2)
- a member of an irregular armed force that fights a stronger force by sabotage and harassmentSynonyms: guerrillaguerillainsurgentType of warriorKinds Maquis, urban guerrillaMember of guerrilla force, guerilla force
- merchandise that has imperfections; usually sold at a reduced price without the brand nameSynonyms: secondType of merchandise, ware
What does it mean? Question 1 of today’s quiz
Webster's Dictionary (1913)
Origin: Pref. ir- not + regular: cf. F. irrégulier.
Not regular; not conforming to a law, method, or usage recognized as the general rule; not according to common form; not conformable to nature, to the rules of moral rectitude, or to established principles; not normal; unnatural; immethodical; unsymmetrical; erratic; no straight; not uniform; as, an irregular line; an irregular figure; an irregular verse; an irregular physician; an irregular proceeding; irregular motion; irregular conduct, etc. Cf. Regular.
Mazes intricate, Eccentric, intervolved, yet regular Then most when most irregular they seem.— John Milton
Leading the men of Herefordshire to fight Against the irregular and wild Glendower.— William Shakespeare
A flowery meadow through which a clear stream murmured in many irregular meanders.— Jones.
Synonyms: Immethodical; unsystematic; abnormal; unnatural; anomalous; erratic; devious; crooked; eccentric; unsettled; uneven; variable; changeable; mutable; desultory; disorderly; wild; immoderate; intemperate; inordinate; vicious.
One who is not regular; especially, a soldier not in regular service.
Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913), from GCIDE 0.54