What does nonsequential mean?
Nonsequential describes something that does not follow a regular order, progression, or sequence. It is especially common in computing, where nonsequential processing or access allows data to be handled without moving through every preceding item in turn. In ordinary writing, the term can describe events, information, or arrangements presented in a jumbled or non-linear order. The word does not necessarily imply randomness: a nonsequential process may still be deliberate and based on another organizing principle, such as importance, frequency, or direct lookup. Its usefulness lies in distinguishing a departure from a regular order from ordinary sequential, chronological, or step-by-step organization. The term is more technical than expressions such as 'out of order' and is therefore especially common in descriptions of software, storage systems, data access, and mathematical procedures.
adjectiveNot arranged or occurring in a regular sequence or order. In computing, it describes processing or access in which items are handled in an order other than their sequential order.
- Not arranged or occurring in a regular sequence or order.
- In computing, involving processing or access that does not follow the normal sequential order.
"The system uses nonsequential access, allowing it to retrieve a specific record without reading every preceding record."
"The report presents the data in a nonsequential format, making the chronology difficult to follow."
"Nonsequential processing can improve performance when the system needs to retrieve only a few individual records."
Nonsequential does not necessarily mean random: a process can follow an intentional pattern that simply is not a simple sequence.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of nonsequential
Nonsequential was formed in the 20th century by combining the prefix non- with sequential, a word derived from Latin sequens, meaning 'following' or 'coming after.' The underlying Latin root sequi means 'to follow' and also underlies sequence, consequent, and sequent. The prefix non- indicates the absence of that regular following order. The resulting adjective is especially associated with technical descriptions of computing and information processing.
Related word forms
How nonsequential is actually used
Most common in technical contexts, especially computing, data processing, and mathematics. In general use, it is often interchangeable with 'out of order' but may sound more formal or specialized.
Easily confused with nonsequential
Sequential means arranged or processed one after another in a definite order, whereas nonsequential means that this regular order is not followed.
Nonsequential means that a regular sequence is absent, not necessarily that the arrangement is entirely random or unplanned.