unequal

[ uhn-ee-kwuh l ]

/ ʌnˈi kwəl /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR unequal ON THESAURUS.COM

adjective

not equal; not of the same quantity, quality, value, rank, ability, etc.: People are unequal in their capacities.

not adequate, as in amount, power, ability, etc. (usually followed by to): strength unequal to the task.

not evenly proportioned or balanced; not having the parts alike or symmetrical: an unequal leaf.

uneven or variable in character, quality, etc.

Obsolete. inequitable; unfair; unjust.

noun

unequals, persons or things not equal to each other: a contest between obvious unequals.

RELATED WORDS

unevenly, unfairly

Nearby words

unenforced, unenlightened, unentered, unenthusiastic, unenviable, unequally, unequaled, unequalled, unequally, unequipped, unequitable

Origin of unequal

First recorded in 1525–35; un-¹ + equal

Related forms

un·e·qual·ly, adverbun·e·qual·ness, nounsub·un·e·qual, adjectivesub·un·e·qual·ly, adverb

sub·un·e·qual·ness, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for unequally

Since it had forgotten these precepts of the Word of God: "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers!"
History of the Great Reformation, Volume IV|J. H. Merle D'Aubign
It is a deadly thing, I see, to be unequally yoaked with Unbelievers.
The Life and Death of Mr Badman|John Bunyan
It is remarkable how unequally these baneful visitations affect the different races of the inhabitants.
Travels in Peru, on the Coast, in the Sierra, Across the Cordilleras and the Andes, into the Primeval Forests|J. J. von Tschudi
The contest between champions so unequally matched could not be doubtful.
The Classic Myths in English Literature and in Art (2nd ed.) (1911)|Charles Mills Gayley

Life wears different aspects for us, and its cares and its joys are unequally allotted out.
The Shadow of Ashlydyat|Mrs. Henry Wood

British Dictionary definitions for unequally

unequal

/ (ʌnˈiːkwəl) /

adjective

not equal in quantity, size, rank, value, etc

(foll by to) inadequate; insufficient

not evenly balanced

(of character, quality, etc) irregular; varying; inconsistent

(of a contest, etc) having competitors of different ability

obsolete unjust

Derived Formsunequally, adverb

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for unequally

unequal

adj.

1530s, "unjust, unfair," from un- (1) "not" + equal (adj.). Meaning "not the same in amount, size, quality, etc." is recorded from 1560s (inequal in this sense is from late 14c.). Sense of "inadequate, insufficient" (to some task) is attested from 1690s.