Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Not conforming to an established or widely accepted standard: Describes something that deviates from what is considered normal, typical, or officially prescribed.
   • Not accepted as a model of excellence or correctness: Often implies a lower status or quality compared to the standard form.
   • (Linguistics) Not conforming to the prestige dialect of a language: Refers to language varieties, such as dialects or usages, that are associated with less educated or socially disfavored groups.

Usage and Examples

• General Use (Not adhering to a standard):
  • The factory produced a batch of nonstandard bolts that could not be used in the assembly.
  • We had to order nonstandard envelopes for the special invitations.
• Linguistic Use (Non-prestige language form):
  • The use of "ain't" is considered nonstandard in formal writing.
  • The study focused on nonstandard grammatical features in regional dialects.

Advanced Usage and Notes

• The term is often used in technical, industrial, and linguistic contexts.
• In linguistics, "nonstandard" is a descriptive, not inherently judgmental, term for language forms that are not part of the standardized variety. However, it can carry social stigma.
• It is the direct antonym of "standard."

Variants and Related Words

• Nonstandardized (adj): Not made to conform to a standard. (Note: This is a related but distinct word).
• Substandard (adj): Below the usual or required standard. (This synonym often carries a stronger negative connotation of poor quality).

Synonyms

• Irregular
• Nonconforming
• Atypical
• Unconventional

Antonyms

• Standard
• Conventional
• Normative
• Prestige (in linguistic contexts)

Adjective

1. not standard; not accepted as a model of excellence
   • a nonstandard text
2. varying from or not adhering to a standard
   • nonstandard windows
   • envelopes of nonstandard sizes
   • nonstandard lengths of board
3. not conforming to the language usage of a prestige group within a community
   • a nonstandard dialect is one used by uneducated speakers or socially disfavored groups
   • the common core of nonstandard words and phrases in folk speech- A.R.Dunlap