Nonstandard is an adjective used to describe something that deviates from the accepted or widely recognized standard or norm. It refers to anything that does not conform to the conventional, traditional, or commonly held rules, regulations, or specifications.
In language and linguistics, nonstandard typically refers to forms of speech or writing that vary from the standard or prestige dialect. It encompasses regional or local dialects, slang, colloquialisms, and other forms of language usage that may be considered informal, ungrammatical, or socially stigmatized.
Nonstandard can also refer to products, practices, or procedures that do not meet the established or official standards in a particular domain. For example, in manufacturing, a nonstandard process or material may deviate from the prescribed industry standards or guidelines. Similarly, in education, a nonstandard test may not follow the regular format or structure of standardized assessments.
Furthermore, nonstandard can indicate something that is not widely supported, recognized, or endorsed. It can imply a lack of conformity to expectations, protocols, or conventions. This usage can be found in various contexts, such as nonstandard therapies or treatments that are not backed by scientific evidence or nonstandard IT solutions that aren't compatible with existing systems.
Overall, nonstandard denotes a departure from the norm or established standards, and it is often used to describe variations, deviations, or departures that may have varying levels of acceptance or legitimacy depending on the context.
