What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
irregularity
Example
The irregularity of the bus schedule made it difficult to plan my commute. [irregularity: noun]
Example
Her heartbeat showed irregularity on the monitor. [irregularity: noun]
deviation
Example
The company's profits showed a deviation from the projected earnings. [deviation: noun]
Example
He deviated from the script during his speech. [deviated: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Irregularity is more common in everyday language than deviation, which is often used in technical or formal contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between irregularity and deviation?
Deviation is more formal than irregularity, and is often used in technical or scientific contexts, while irregularity is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
