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

In their closing minutes, the Gothams threw a curveball by awarding Best Feature to A Different Man, a dark dramedy about an actor with a facial deformity that had otherwise been entirely shut out. —Nate Jones, Vulture, 7 Dec. 2024

Or where using human labor means repetitive stress, deformity and injury, such as in many industrial tasks. —Amir Husain, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024

Without proper management, arthritis can lead to deformities in the joints, making the condition progressively worse. —Sandra Rose Salathe, Flow Space, 24 Oct. 2024

Adapted from a children’s novel by R.J. Palacio, the film starred Jacob Tremblay as young Auggie, a boy with the facial deformities of Treacher Collins syndrome who teaches his family and peers about the importance of kindness. —Katie Walsh, Los Angeles Times, 4 Oct. 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