asymmetry

[ ey-sim-i-tree ]

noun

1. the quality or state of being asymmetric.

asymmetry

/ eɪ-; æˈsɪmɪtrɪ /

noun

1. lack or absence of symmetry in spatial arrangements or in mathematical or logical relations

Word History and Origins

Origin of asymmetry¹

First recorded in 1645–55, asymmetry is from the Greek word asymmetría lack of proportion. See a- ⁶, symmetry

Example Sentences

This leads to more serious limb asymmetry, or the contrast between morning and evening conditions at a planet's opposite sides.

From Salon

There’s a complete asymmetry in the level of destruction and suffering that each side can inflict on the other.

From BBC

My favorite cognitive bias is called motive attribution asymmetry, where we see ourselves as being motivated by protective, caring motives, and we see the other side as being driven by selfishness and by hostility.

From Los Angeles Times

“There’s just an odd asymmetry between the parties,” Domalewski said, noting that Democrats, as well as Republicans, have been protesting against Democrats.

From Los Angeles Times

“So there's kind of an asymmetry where now there's extra protection when the defense is partisan gerrymandering, but there's not the same extra protection when the defense is compliance with the Voting Rights Act.”

From Salon

Related Words

• imbalance
• inequality