unequal

American  

[uhn-ee-kwuhl] / ʌnˈi kwəl /

adjective

1. not equal; not of the same quantity, quality, value, rank, ability, etc..

   People are unequal in their capacities.

2. not adequate, as in amount, power, ability, etc. (usually followed byto ).

   strength unequal to the task.

3. not evenly proportioned or balanced; not having the parts alike or symmetrical.

   an unequal leaf.

4. uneven or variable in character, quality, etc.

5. Obsolete. inequitable; unfair; unjust.

---

noun

1. unequals, persons or things not equal to each other.

   a contest between obvious unequals.

unequal British  

/ ʌnˈiːkwəl /

adjective

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

2. (foll by to) inadequate; insufficient

3. not evenly balanced

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

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

6. obsolete unjust

---

Other Word Forms

• subunequal adjective
• subunequally adverb
• subunequalness noun
• unequally adverb
• unequalness noun

Etymology

Origin of unequal

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

Example Sentences

Aprill defends private equity as an equalizer of sorts in an unequal medical marketplace.

From Slate • Mar. 17, 2026

If food companies can adapt their playbooks to an increasingly unequal consumer base, today’s discount could be an opportunity for investors.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 26, 2026

"We offer an alternative," said tricycle owner Ariel Estrada, 54, while acknowledging that Havana's fleet of three-wheelers was grossly unequal to Cubans' needs.

From Barron's • Feb. 15, 2026

"If you control the water, the relationship immediately becomes unequal."

From BBC • Feb. 8, 2026

Protests of injustice fell silent before the self-evident justice of this unequal division.

From "The Left Hand of Darkness" by Ursula K. Le Guin

Related Words

• disproportionate
• inequitable
• one-sided
• unbalanced
• uneven