unequal
Americanadjective
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not equal; not of the same quantity, quality, value, rank, ability, etc..
People are unequal in their capacities.
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not adequate, as in amount, power, ability, etc. (usually followed byto ).
strength unequal to the task.
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not evenly proportioned or balanced; not having the parts alike or symmetrical.
an unequal leaf.
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uneven or variable in character, quality, etc.
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Obsolete. inequitable; unfair; unjust.
noun
adjective
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not equal in quantity, size, rank, value, etc
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(foll by to) inadequate; insufficient
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not evenly balanced
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(of character, quality, etc) irregular; varying; inconsistent
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(of a contest, etc) having competitors of different ability
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obsolete unjust
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of unequal
Vocabulary lists containing unequal
"Ulysses" by Alfred, Lord Tennyson
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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.
Unequal influence is not a pathology of democracy.
From MarketWatch • Feb. 24, 2026
Unequal access to obstetric care contributes to America’s shamefully high maternal mortality rate which, at 22 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births in 2022, was double or triple the rate of peer nations.
From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 30, 2024
Unequal access might look like a student missing class or school activities to avoid the person they reported, a decline in their grades and having difficulty focusing.
From Seattle Times • Mar. 6, 2022
Unequal access to the shots worldwide has meant more variants.
From Washington Post • Jan. 28, 2022
Katherine Rogers opened a two weeks' engagement on March 16th, playing "Galatea," "Leah," "Hunchback," "Unequal Match," "Lady of Lyons," "As You Like It," "Masks and Faces," and "Love's Sacrifice."
From The Mormons and the Theatre or The History of Theatricals in Utah by Lindsay, John S.
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.
