grossly abnormal

Meanings

1. 1adjectivenot comparableformaltechnical

   so far outside the usual or expected range that the difference is clear and serious, especially in medical test results or findings.

   Grammar: Used before a noun or after a linking verb: grossly abnormal results; the results were grossly abnormal. It is not usually graded (not 'more grossly abnormal').

   Patterns

   • grossly abnormal results
   • grossly abnormal findings
   • be grossly abnormal

   The blood test showed grossly abnormal liver values, so the doctor ordered more tests.

   Her heart rhythm was grossly abnormal, and she was admitted to the hospital immediately.

   The scan revealed grossly abnormal tissue growth in the left lung.

2. 2adjectivenot comparableformal

   used more generally to describe behavior or conditions that are extremely and obviously unusual or unacceptable.

   Grammar: In this general sense it still sounds formal; in casual speech use 'seriously abnormal' or 'completely abnormal'.

   Patterns

   • grossly abnormal behavior
   • grossly abnormal conditions

   The inspectors described the working conditions as grossly abnormal for a modern factory.

   Such grossly abnormal behavior puzzled everyone who knew him.

Common combinations

grossly abnormal results

The lab flagged the grossly abnormal results for urgent review.

grossly abnormal findings

Grossly abnormal findings on the X-ray led to a biopsy.

grossly abnormal levels

Grossly abnormal levels of potassium can affect the heart.

be grossly abnormal

The pattern on the EEG was grossly abnormal.

Synonyms and how they differ

severely abnormal

Means the same but is more common in everyday medical writing; 'grossly abnormal' sounds more technical and emphatic.

markedly abnormal

Similar meaning, but 'markedly' stresses that the difference is noticeable, while 'grossly' stresses that it is extreme.

highly abnormal

A general alternative; it is less formal and less specific than 'grossly abnormal'.

Opposites

Word family

gross adjective

In medical use, 'gross' means visible to the naked eye or large-scale, as in 'gross anatomy'.

grossly adverb

The adverb form meaning 'very' or 'extremely', as in 'grossly unfair'.

abnormal adjective

The base adjective meaning not normal or usual.

abnormality noun

A noun meaning something that is not normal, often used for medical conditions.

Commonly confused: grossly abnormal or grossly?

Practice

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Write a sentence using “grossly abnormal”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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