irregular

Meanings

1. 1
   adj

   independent in behavior or thought

   They led a somewhat irregular private life.

2. 2
   adj

   lacking continuity or regularity

   an irregular worker

3. 3
   adj

   falling below the manufacturer's standard

   irregular jeans

4. 4
   adj

   contrary to rule or accepted order or general practice

   irregular hiring practices

5. 5
   adj

   (used of the military) not belonging to or engaged in by regular army forces

   irregular troops

6. 6
   adj

   Nonstandard; not conforming to rules or expectations.

   ‘ “It would be most irregular Grandpa!” says Miss Cecily frowning and tapping her foot. “Well, we’re a pretty irregular family so that’s neither here nor there,” says the old man, impish like. [...] ’

7. 7
   adj

   Without symmetry, regularity, or uniformity.

   The hovel stood in the centre of what had once been a vegetable garden, but was now a patch of rank weeds. Surrounding this, almost like a zareba, was an irregular ring of gorse and brambles, an unclaimed vestige of the original common.

8. 8
   adj

   Not following the regular or expected patterns of inflection in a given language.

   "Calves", "cacti", and "children" are irregular plurals.

Etymology

From Middle English irreguler, from Old French irreguler, from Medieval Latin or Late Latin irrēgulāris, from in- + regularis, equivalent to ir- + regular.