anomalies: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Academic, Technical
Quick answer
What does “anomalies” mean?
Things that are unusual, unexpected, or that deviate from what is standard, normal, or expected.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Things that are unusual, unexpected, or that deviate from what is standard, normal, or expected.
Results or findings that do not fit into a given pattern, law, or theory, often requiring special explanation. In a broader sense, it can refer to irregularities, inconsistencies, or abnormalities in any system or dataset.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling is identical. The pronunciation of the final vowel may differ slightly.
Connotations
Identical in both varieties. Carries a formal, analytical, or scientific tone.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in American English in technical/scientific corpora, but the difference is marginal. Common in both.
Grammar
How to Use “anomalies” in a Sentence
report on anomalies in [data]investigate the anomalies found in [the results]note/observe anomaliesthe anomalies suggest that...a series of anomaliesVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “anomalies” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The software **anomalises** the data to flag inconsistencies.
- We need to **anomaly-check** the logs.
American English
- The system **anomaly-detects** in real time.
- They programmed it to **anomalize** the output.
adverb
British English
- The signal behaved **anomalously**.
- The results came back **anomaly-free**.
American English
- The machine is running **anomalously** hot.
- The process completed **anomalously** quickly.
adjective
British English
- The **anomalous** readings were checked twice.
- We have an **anomaly-rich** dataset from that period.
American English
- The **anomalous** data point was excluded.
- This is an **anomaly-prone** system.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to unusual figures in financial reports or sales data that require investigation.
Academic
Used to discuss experimental results that contradict a hypothesis or theoretical predictions.
Everyday
Rare in casual conversation. Might be used to describe strange or unexplained events in a news or documentary context.
Technical
Common in computing (network anomalies), medicine (birth anomalies), physics, and data science.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “anomalies”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “anomalies”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “anomalies”
- Using it as a singular ('an anomalies was found' - incorrect; should be 'an anomaly was found'). Confusing with 'abnormalities' (which often has a stronger negative/medical connotation). Overusing in informal contexts where 'odd things' or 'weird results' would suffice.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is neutral but context-dependent. In science, it's a neutral term for unexpected data. In finance or security, it often implies a potential problem.
An 'anomaly' is an observation that deviates from expectation; it may or may not be caused by an 'error'. An 'error' is a mistake or fault. All errors can cause anomalies, but not all anomalies are errors (some may be genuine discoveries).
It is quite formal. In everyday speech, people are more likely to say 'weird things', 'odd results', 'strange bits', or 'things that don't fit' unless discussing a specific technical topic.
The most common mistake is treating it as an uncountable noun or using the plural verb form with the singular 'anomaly' (e.g., 'anomalies is'). Remember: 'an anomaly is', 'anomalies are'.
Things that are unusual, unexpected, or that deviate from what is standard, normal, or expected.
Anomalies is usually formal, academic, technical in register.
Anomalies: in British English it is pronounced /əˈnɒm.ə.liz/, and in American English it is pronounced /əˈnɑː.mə.liz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a statistical blip (informal for a minor, likely temporary anomaly)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'a-NOM-aly' sounding like 'a NO-NORMAL' thing. 'Anomalies' are 'not normal' things.
Conceptual Metaphor
DATA/REALITY IS A PATTERN; ANOMALIES ARE STAINS/CRACKS/OUTLIERS ON THE PATTERN.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'anomalies' LEAST appropriate?