asymmetry

American  

[ey-sim-i-tree] / eɪˈsɪm ɪ tri /

noun

1. the quality or state of being asymmetric.

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asymmetry British  

/ eɪ-, æˈsɪmɪtrɪ /

noun

1. lack or absence of symmetry in spatial arrangements or in mathematical or logical relations

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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.

Example Sentences

That cost asymmetry — cheap offense, expensive defense — is what restructured the global counterdrone procurement map almost overnight.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 13, 2026

Ms. Shorr emphasizes a social asymmetry that abets Martin’s lies.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 26, 2026

"When you see how young they were, you realise the asymmetry of the power there," Massie commented.

From BBC • Mar. 25, 2026

In their study published in Optica, the team demonstrates that this twisted bilayer structure naturally introduces asymmetry between left and right, making it highly effective for controlling light chirality.

From Science Daily • Mar. 21, 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

Related Words

• imbalance
• inequality