asymmetrical

adjective

asym·​met·​ri·​cal ˌā-sə-ˈme-tri-kəl 

variants or asymmetric

ˌā-sə-ˈme-trik 

1

: having two sides or halves that are not the same : not symmetrical

an asymmetrical design

asymmetrical shapes

2

usually asymmetric of a carbon atom : bonded to four different atoms or groups

asymmetrically

ˌā-sə-ˈme-tri-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Examples of asymmetrical in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Equity is asymmetrical in fashion Philip Lim Since then, there’s not been the uptick his moment could have ushered in. —Gemma A. Williams, Forbes, 4 Dec. 2024

The booster kept firing, and Vulcan's main engines compensated for the asymmetrical thrust from the two strap-on motors, allowing the rocket to complete its climb to space and reach its planned trajectory. —Andrew Cunningham, Ars Technica, 30 Oct. 2024

The look featured a scoop neckline, which was partially covered by a gray oversize blazer, and high-waist skirt that was designed with an asymmetrical hem. —Alfredo Mineo, WWD, 17 Dec. 2024

For the Los Angeles premiere of Family Switch in November 2023, Garner kept on theme with the festive season colors, wearing a red minidress with an asymmetrical layered hem. —Escher Walcott, People.com, 16 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Greek asymmetria lack of proportion, from asymmetros ill-proportioned, from a- + symmetros symmetrical

First Known Use

1690, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing asymmetrical

• asymmetrical digital subscriber line

Kids Definition

asymmetrical

adjective

asym·​met·​ri·​cal ˌā-sə-ˈme-tri-kəl 

variants or asymmetric

-trik 

: not symmetrical

asymmetrically

-tri-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

asymmetry

(ˈ)ā-ˈsim-ə-trē 

noun

Medical Definition

asymmetrical

adjective

asym·​met·​ri·​cal ˌā-sə-ˈme-tri-kəl 

variants or asymmetric

-trik 

1

: not symmetrical

2

usually asymmetric, of a carbon atom : bonded to four different atoms or groups

asymmetrically

-tri-k(ə-)lē 

adverb