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

The design of this asymmetrical metal-frame mirror adds visual interest without making the space feel too disjointed. —Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 4 Mar. 2025

The singer sported a black blazer with asymmetrical lapels over a tank emblazoned with the brand’s logo, both from Dior’s fall 2025 menswear line designed by Kim Jones. —Hannah Malach, WWD, 4 Mar. 2025

The main focal point of the resort is the hotel building, with an asymmetrical shape that tapers off at both ends. —Katharina Kotrba, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025

Hoekstra has a Brazilian customer who commissioned a recent 133-footer with an asymmetrical lower deck for two extra guest cabins. —Tristan Rutherford, Robb Report, 2 Mar. 2025

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

Rhymes for asymmetrical

• diametrical
• geometrical
• unsymmetrical
• metrical
• obstetrical
• symmetrical
• trigonometrical

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