unequal
Americanadjective
-
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 byto ).
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
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
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of unequal
Vocabulary lists containing unequal
"Ulysses" by Alfred, Lord Tennyson
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!
Week 3: Take Action
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!
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.
The asymmetry no longer reads as a “fossil trace” indicating a preference, but as one possible effect of a structurally unequal relationship between human populations.
From Science Daily ● Jul. 7, 2026
If I leave unequal inheritances, do I risk creating resentment among my nieces and nephews — and, perhaps more importantly, among my siblings?
From MarketWatch ● Jul. 2, 2026
They make a passionate argument about how unequal the country has become.
From BBC ● Jun. 27, 2026
People are unequal in talent, but all of us have the same basic rights and dignity.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 16, 2026
But their contributions to the war effort were unequal, with Russia paying the heaviest price for Hitler's aggression.
From "Spies: The Secret Showdown Between America and Russia" by Marc Favreau
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.
