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
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Visual Arts - High School
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Visual Arts - Middle School
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
In a Facebook post shortly after his dismissal, Fedorov listed his achievements and said he would "continue... to defeat the enemy through asymmetry, speed of innovation, and organisational strength".
From BBC ● Aug. 19, 2026
Rajan has warned of the asymmetry in using QE by highlighting how paring back the balance sheet is harder than expanding it.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 9, 2026
But the offer enables us to formulate a possible structure: that of an unequal relationship between two human worlds, perhaps even a durable social asymmetry between the Neanderthal and Sapiens groups.
From Science Daily ● Jul. 7, 2026
“This asymmetry helps explain why aggregate consumption can remain resilient even as lower-income households face pressures from higher rents, elevated debt-servicing costs, weaker labor market outcomes, and greater exposure to energy price shocks,” they say.
From MarketWatch ● Jul. 7, 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.
