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
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Visual Arts - High School
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Visual Arts - Middle School
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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.
Albert Einstein showed that communication speeds can approach but never exceed the speed of light, so that information asymmetry is a fundamental property of the universe.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 8, 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 models successfully reproduced the general asymmetry caused by temperature differences, but the observed effect was stronger than predicted.
From Science Daily ● Jun. 11, 2026
Recent articles in the Naval Institute’s Proceedings argue that letters of marque would be essential in alleviating the vast numerical asymmetry between the U.S. and Chinese fleets in the event of a war.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 15, 2026
The Internet, powerful as it is, has hardly slain the beast that is information asymmetry.
From "Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything" by Steven D. Levitt
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.
