unequal

[ uhn-ee-kwuhl ]

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 by to ):

   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

/ 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

Derived Forms

• unˈequally, adverb

Other Words From

• un·equal·ly adverb
• un·equal·ness noun
• subun·equal adjective
• subun·equal·ly adverb
• subun·equal·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of unequal¹

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

Example Sentences

New York also passed a measure that will protect “against unequal treatment based on reproductive health care and autonomy.”

From Salon

That stopped holding water once Trump came into office and declared certain types of Americans to be unequal – those pesky “enemies from within” — and some to be more equal than others.

From Salon

While the word “abortion” isn’t technically part of the measure, a yes vote would “protect against unequal treatment based on ethnicity, national origin, age, disability and sex, including sexual orientation, gender identity and pregnancy.”

From Salon

By a measure known as the Gini index, researchers say it is one of the most unequal countries in the world.

From BBC

Studies have laid bare the unequal distribution of L.A.’s tree canopy.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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