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.
Possible explanations include hormonal influences, genetic differences, and unequal access to health care, though the exact interactions remain unclear.
From Science Daily • May 20, 2026
The result is a patchwork of wildly unequal and inadequate representation.
From Los Angeles Times • May 6, 2026
This includes the unequal distribution of educational resources and teaching capabilities, highlighted by a March report from Sweden's Education Agency.
From BBC • Apr. 15, 2026
In 2010, Tunisians angry with their government over rising unemployment, vastly unequal socioeconomic development, and political repression took to the streets under the banner “bread, freedom, national dignity.”
From Barron's • Apr. 10, 2026
I took out another butter and jam sandwich, broke it into four unequal pieces.
From "Kaffir Boy: An Autobiography" by Mark Mathabane
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.
