Definition

1. Noun:
   • Failure to conform to accepted standards of behavior: The act or state of not following established rules, norms, or conventions.
   • Unorthodoxy as a consequence of not conforming to expected standards or values: The quality of being different from what is usual or traditionally accepted.
   • A lack of orthodoxy in thoughts or beliefs: Holding views or beliefs that deviate from the official or conventional doctrines, especially in religion.
   • Lack of harmony or correspondence: A state of disagreement or incongruence between things.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • His nonconformity to the company's dress code resulted in a formal warning.
  • The artist's work was celebrated for its creative nonconformity.
  • Religious nonconformity was widespread during that historical period.
  • There is a clear nonconformity between his promises and his actions.

Advanced Usage

• "In nonconformity with": Not in agreement or compliance with something.
  • The building was constructed in nonconformity with the city's safety regulations.
• "Spirit of nonconformity": An attitude or principle of rejecting conventional norms.
  • The movement was driven by a spirit of nonconformity and innovation.

Variants and Related Words

• Nonconformist (noun): A person who does not conform to established ideas or practices.
  • She was a nonconformist who challenged societal expectations.
• Nonconformist (adjective): Characterized by nonconformity.
  • His nonconformist views made him a controversial figure.
• Conformity (noun): The opposite state; compliance with standards, rules, or laws.

Synonyms

• Dissent: The expression or holding of opinions at variance with those previously, commonly, or officially held.
• Deviation: The action of departing from an established course or accepted standard.
• Heresy: Belief or opinion contrary to orthodox religious doctrine.
• Noncompliance: Failure or refusal to comply with a rule or law.

Related Phrases

• Act of nonconformity: A specific instance of not conforming.
  • Wearing casual clothes to the formal event was an act of nonconformity.

Related Idioms

• A badge of nonconformity: A symbol or characteristic that proudly shows one's refusal to conform.
  • For her, the unusual tattoo was a badge of nonconformity.
• March to the beat of a different drum: To behave in a way that is different from the ordinary. (This idiom conceptually relates to nonconformity.)
  • He's always marched to the beat of a different drum, embracing his nonconformity.

Noun

1. failure to conform to accepted standards of behavior
2. unorthodoxy as a consequence of not conforming to expected standards or values
3. a lack of orthodoxy in thoughts or beliefs
4. lack of harmony or correspondence