asymmetric

American  

[ey-suh-me-trik, as-uh-] / ˌeɪ səˈmɛ trɪk, ˌæs ə- /

Also asymmetrical

adjective

1. not identical on both sides of a central line; unsymmetrical; lacking symmetry.

   Most faces are asymmetric.

2. (of a logical or mathematical relation) holding true of members of a class in one order but not in the opposite order, as in the relation “being an ancestor of.”

3. Chemistry.

   1. having an unsymmetrical arrangement of atoms in a molecule.

   2. noting a carbon atom bonded to four different atoms or groups.

   3. (of a polymer) noting an atom or group that is within a polymer chain and is bonded to two different atoms or groups that are external to the chain.

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asymmetric British  

/ ˌeɪ-, ˌæsɪˈmɛtrɪk /

adjective

1. not symmetrical; lacking symmetry; misproportioned

2. chem

   1. (of a molecule) having its atoms and radicals arranged unsymmetrically

   2. (of a carbon atom) attached to four different atoms or radicals so that stereoisomerism results

   3. involving chiral molecules

      asymmetric synthesis

3. electrical engineering (of conductors) having different conductivities depending on the direction of current flow, as of diodes

4. aeronautics having unequal thrust, as caused by an inoperative engine in a twin-engined aircraft

5. logic maths (of a relation) never holding between a pair of values x and y when it holds between y and x, as " …is the father of… " Compare symmetric antisymmetric nonsymmetric

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Other Word Forms

• asymmetrically adverb

Etymology

Origin of asymmetric

First recorded in 1870–75; a- ⁶ + symmetric ( def. )

Example Sentences

The war looks to be turning into a classic example of how a smaller, weaker power can fight an enemy that is bigger and stronger, the kind of conflict that strategists call asymmetric warfare.

From BBC • Mar. 28, 2026

The basic challenge is one of asymmetric information.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 20, 2026

Still, in pursuing their asymmetric strategy, Tehran’s commanders made one miscalculation.

From Slate • Mar. 13, 2026

This has created what McElligott described as an asymmetric opportunity for any investor with the temerity to bet on a big rebound.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 11, 2026

It was also an asymmetric bet, like laying down money on a number in roulette.

From "The Big Short" by Michael Lewis