deformity

noun

de·​for·​mi·​ty di-ˈfȯr-mə-tē 

dē-

plural deformities

1

: the state of being deformed

2

: imperfection, blemish: such as

a

: a physical blemish or distortion : disfigurement

b

: a moral or aesthetic flaw or defect

Synonyms

• blemish
• blight
• blotch
• defect
• disfigurement
• excrescence
• excrescency
• fault
• flaw
• imperfection
• mar
• mark
• pockmark
• scar

Examples of deformity in a Sentence

a disease causing deformity of the spine

a primitive culture that cast aside infants born with deformities, allowing them to die of exposure to the elements

Recent Examples on the Web

Another was abandoned by her parents because of a deformity. —Acsah Lemma, Sacramento Bee, 13 June 2024

Shanidar 1 shows deformities that may have caused visual and hearing impairment, suggesting the community supported him, while burials like Dederiyeh 2 (here), a two-year-old, demonstrate the care taken with children’s interment. —Bridget Alex, Discover Magazine, 6 June 2024

Defocused highlights are mostly round at 50mm, with just a bit of an oblong deformity toward the edges at f/4.5. —PCMAG, 6 June 2024

This deformity can lead to a tearing of a cartilage in the hip joint called the labrum. —Harlan Selesnick, Miami Herald, 6 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English deformite, from Middle French defformeteit, from Latin deformitat-, deformitas, from deformis deformed, from de- + forma

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

deformity

noun

de·​for·​mi·​ty di-ˈfȯr-mət-ē 

plural deformities

1

: the state of being deformed

2

: a physical blemish or twisting out of a natural shape or condition

3

: a morally disgusting or artistically ugly imperfection

Medical Definition

deformity

noun

de·​for·​mi·​ty di-ˈfȯr-mət-ē 

plural deformities

1

: the state of being deformed

2

: a physical blemish or distortion

deformities caused by thalidomide