# irregularly

**Pronunciation:** /ɪˈrɛɡjələrli/ · ih-REG-yuh-ler-lee

**CEFR level:** B2

**Part of speech:** adverb

## Meaning

In a way that is not regular or consistent; without a fixed pattern, schedule, or shape.

## Examples

- The old clock ticked irregularly, sometimes fast and sometimes slow.
- She works irregularly, taking on freelance projects only when she needs extra money.
- The coastline was shaped irregularly by centuries of erosion from the sea.

## Synonyms

- erratically — Suggests unpredictable and often sudden changes.
- sporadically — Implies occurring at infrequent or isolated intervals.
- inconsistently — Highlights a lack of uniformity or steady adherence to a principle.
- unsteadily — Refers to a lack of stability or firmness, often in movement.

## Antonyms

- regularly — At fixed intervals or in a consistent manner.
- consistently — Always in the same way; without variation.
- steadily — In a continuous, even, and controlled way.

## Common patterns

- act irregularly — To behave in a way that is not normal or expected. — The machine started to act irregularly, making strange noises.
- appear irregularly — To show up or be seen without a consistent schedule. — The comet appears irregularly, sometimes every few decades.

## Collocations

- beat irregularly — His heart began to beat irregularly after the intense exercise.
- occur irregularly — Heavy rainfall occurs irregularly in this desert region.
- shaped irregularly — The rock was shaped irregularly by the flowing water.

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