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Synonyms

unequal

American  
[uhn-ee-kwuhl] / ʌnˈi kwəl /

adjective

  1. not equal; not of the same quantity, quality, value, rank, ability, etc..

    People are unequal in their capacities.

  2. not adequate, as in amount, power, ability, etc. (usually followed byto ).

    strength unequal to the task.

  3. not evenly proportioned or balanced; not having the parts alike or symmetrical.

    an unequal leaf.

  4. uneven or variable in character, quality, etc.

  5. Obsolete. inequitable; unfair; unjust.


noun

  1. unequals, persons or things not equal to each other.

    a contest between obvious unequals.

unequal British  
/ ʌnˈiːkwəl /

adjective

  1. not equal in quantity, size, rank, value, etc

  2. (foll by to) inadequate; insufficient

  3. not evenly balanced

  4. (of character, quality, etc) irregular; varying; inconsistent

  5. (of a contest, etc) having competitors of different ability

  6. obsolete unjust

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • subunequal adjective
  • subunequally adverb
  • subunequalness noun
  • unequally adverb
  • unequalness noun

Etymology

Origin of unequal

First recorded in 1525–35; un- 1 + equal

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.

The backdrop of skyscrapers and shiny office towers was a stark reminder of the gulf separating rich and poor in South Africa, which the World Bank ranks as the most unequal country on the planet.

From Barron's

And because the FA is publicly committed to redistribution, there is ultimately no valid justification for maintaining unequal prize funds.

From BBC

That left Americans including military personnel — who are housed at bases throughout the country, sometimes with little control over where — with unequal access to abortion.

From New York Times

Critics say the proposal would stomp on local self-governance and create unequal systems of justice in different parts Jackson, which has the highest percentage of Black residents of any major U.S. city.

From Seattle Times

In her second memoir, the author takes on racism, economic uncertainty and the devastating effects of an unequal health care system.

From New York Times