irregular
ih-REG-yuh-ler
/ɪˈreɡ.jə.lər/
Not belonging to or conforming to regular, standard army forces or conventional rules.
In military contexts, refers to combatants operating outside standard uniforms, command structures, and traditional tactical guidelines.
The story behind the word. From Latin 'irregularis' (not according to rule), formed from prefix 'in-' (not) and 'regularis' (containing rules), from 'regula' (rule). In military contexts, it emerged in the 18th century to classify combatants not enrolled in standard standing armies.
Word relationships
- unconventional combatant: Emphasizes non-standard fighting doctrine and non-military equipment.
- partisan: A partisan is motivated by political or patriotic defense, whereas irregular simply describes army non-standard status.
- regular: Part of standard, official, permanently organized military forces.
Commonly confused with
- paramilitary: Paramilitary forces usually maintain a strict hierarchy despite being non-military, while irregular forces lack standardized military organization entirely.
Word family
- irregularity (noun): The state or quality of being irregular.
- irregularly (adverb): In an irregular manner.
Collocations
- irregular forces
- irregular warfare
- irregular troops
- irregular combatant
Example sentences
- "The general ordered regular units to coordinate operations with local irregular forces." Military taxonomy report
- "Irregular troops carried a mix of civilian hunting arms and captured military rifles." War correspondent dispatch
Memory hook
Ir- (not) + Regular = Not following regular army rules. Outside standard rules.
When not to use
Do not use to describe standard uniformed national soldiers following routine drill procedures.
Fun facts
- In 19th-century British India, 'irregular cavalry' regiments allowed troopers to provide their own horses and arms in exchange for higher pay.
Explore more words
guerrilla, asymmetric, unconventional, insurgent, unorthodox, anomaly
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