asymmetry
Americannoun
noun
Etymology
Origin of asymmetry
First recorded in 1645–55, asymmetry is from the Greek word asymmetría lack of proportion. See a- 6, symmetry
Explanation
Asymmetry exists when the two halves of something don't match or are unequal. The American flag is an example of asymmetry. If you understand symmetry, you're on your way to understanding asymmetry. Symmetry means that the parts of something are equal or match: if both halves of a house look exactly the same, that's an example of symmetry. If the sides are different, that's asymmetry. This concept can apply to relationships too. If one friend is taking advantage of the other, this is an asymmetrical relationship because it's not equal or fair. When you see the word asymmetry, think unequal or unbalanced.
Vocabulary lists containing asymmetry
Visual Arts - Introductory
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Visual Arts - High School
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Visual Arts - Middle School
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Researchers believe this strange asymmetry could be caused by active processes within the system, such as fresh material falling into the disk or interactions with nearby surroundings.
From Science Daily • May 12, 2026
The meeting could ultimately be seen as a win for Lula, Lopes assessed, especially given the asymmetry of power between the two countries.
From BBC • May 7, 2026
But asymmetry — prices rising fast but falling slowly — increased as the refined product made its way to city distribution terminals and subsequently to retail stations.
From Los Angeles Times • May 7, 2026
That cost asymmetry — cheap offense, expensive defense — is what restructured the global counterdrone procurement map almost overnight.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 13, 2026
The asymmetry of the universe could be explained by the asymmetrical nature of these expanding bubbles that formed and merged.
From "Zero: The Biography of a Dangerous Idea" by Charles Seife
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
