What does nonstandard mean?
Nonstandard is an adjective meaning that something does not conform to an accepted standard. In language, it may describe spelling, grammar, pronunciation, or usage that differs from the conventions of a particular standard English variety, such as a regional dialect or a historical form. Outside linguistics, it can refer to practices, behavior, or arrangements that depart from established norms, although the word often carries a more technical or evaluative tone than simply unusual. The distinction is important: nonstandard does not necessarily mean incorrect, incomprehensible, or universally rejected. A form may be nonstandard in formal writing while remaining well understood and historically influential. The word is commonly used by editors, teachers, and researchers when discussing dialect variation, spelling conventions, and differences between formal and informal registers. It is a useful term when the issue is deviation from a defined norm rather than rarity alone.
Not conforming to an accepted standard of language, usage, style, or practice.
"The editor marked the expression as nonstandard in formal writing."
Common in linguistics, editing, education, and discussion of regulated or established practice.
A form of language or a practice that does not conform to an accepted standard.
"The collection includes several nonstandards that are common in regional speech."
This noun use is especially associated with lexicography and language study.
Used for different forms, expressions, or practices that depart from an accepted standard.
"The author discusses several nonstandards that occur in informal speech."
A nonstandard form is not automatically wrong: it is simply outside the accepted norm, which can change as a language evolves.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of nonstandard
Nonstandard was formed in the 19th century by combining the prefix non- with standard. Standard itself comes from Latin standardum, a measuring standard or a flag planted as a military rallying point, and reached English through Old French estandart. The development reflects the long history of evaluating language and practice by comparison with an established norm.
Related word forms
How nonstandard is actually used
Nonstandard is often used in language teaching, editing, and lexicography to describe forms that are not accepted in a particular standard. It does not necessarily imply that a form is obscure, informal, erroneous, or incapable of being understood. The term can also describe practices that depart from an established institutional or technical norm.
Easily confused with nonstandard
Nonstandard means outside the accepted standard, whereas informal describes a register that is casual rather than formal; an expression can be informal without being nonstandard.
Uncommon means not frequently encountered, while nonstandard means not accepted or used according to an established norm.