irregularity
Loading your saved state.
irregularity
A deviation from a rule, a norm, an expected pattern, or a smooth condition.
Bei der Prüfung der Abrechnungen wurden mehrere Unregelmäßigkeiten entdeckt.
During the audit of the accounts, several irregularities were discovered.
unevenness
A spot on a surface that is not smooth or even.
Der Maler glättete die kleinen Unregelmäßigkeiten in der Wand, bevor er mit dem Streichen begann.
The painter smoothed out the small uneven areas in the wall before he began painting.
The word is clearly structured: the prefix 'Un-' negates the adjective 'regelmäßig' (regular). The ending '-keit' turns the adjective 'unregelmäßig' (irregular) into a noun.
Die Unregelmäßigkeit seines Herzschlags beunruhigte den Arzt.
The irregularity of his heartbeat worried the doctor.
In connection with rules and systems, 'Unregelmäßigkeit' is often used with verbs such as 'feststellen' (to identify), 'aufdecken' (to uncover), 'untersuchen' (to investigate), or 'bemerken' (to notice).
Der Buchhalter hat bei der Prüfung einige Unregelmäßigkeiten festgestellt.
The accountant identified several irregularities during the audit.
In the meaning of 'Abweichung von der Norm' (deviation from the norm), the word is often used in formal, official, or scientific contexts, for example in administration, finance, or grammar.
Die Untersuchung der Akten brachte keine Unregelmäßigkeiten zutage.
The examination of the files revealed no irregularities.
You can recognize the meaning easily from the context. If people are talking about abstract things like finances, rules, or data, it refers to a deviation from the norm. If they are talking about physical objects like walls, floors, or fabrics, it refers to unevenness of the surface.
Es gibt einige Unregelmäßigkeiten im System.
There are some irregularities in the system.
deviation
Abweichung and Unregelmäßigkeit can both describe something that does not match what is expected. Abweichung describes the difference from a specific plan or standard; Unregelmäßigkeit emphasizes that a process or pattern is not even and regular.
Die Unregelmäßigkeit der Ankunftszeiten zeigt sich heute an sehr unterschiedlichen Abständen.
The irregularity in the arrival times is evident today in the very different intervals between them.
Die Abweichung der Ankunftszeit vom Fahrplan beträgt heute zehn Minuten.
The arrival time is ten minutes off the schedule today.
