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abnormal

While "abnormal" simply means not normal, it often carries a negative tone. It is frequently used to describe things that are worrying, such as medical results or strange behavior. In casual conversation, calling a person "abnormal" can be seen as rude or offensive. In those cases, words like "unusual" or "unique" are more polite alternatives.

💬Casual Conversation

🎬Tuesday afternoon, Victoria is in a board meeting while Mr. Sterling is at his private gym.
Mr. Sterling

Victoria, the office vibe is too linear. We need an abnormal rhythm to spark genius.

Mr. Sterling
Victoria
Victoria

Cut it out. Just sign the payroll before we run out of runway.

💡
Mr. Sterling uses 'abnormal' to describe a desired deviation from standard corporate routine for creative purposes. Victoria responds with the business idiom 'run out of runway', meaning the company is about to run out of cash/funding.

Meanings

adjective

Deviating from what is normal or usual, typically in a way that is undesirable or worrying.

"The test results showed an abnormal level of glucose in the blood."

Last Updated: May 22, 2026Report an Error