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

Colbie Caillat Colbie Caillat stepped onto the CMA Awards red carpet in a dazzling asymmetrical gown that radiated classic glamour. —Ty Gaskins, WWD, 21 Nov. 2024

In both paintings, each leader stands at a slight asymmetrical angle known as a contrapposto pose. —Camille Davis / Made By History, TIME, 1 Nov. 2024

But this is really the first of Israel’s major asymmetrical wars that has not created an antiwar movement. —Isaac Chotiner, The New Yorker, 24 Oct. 2024

The asymmetrical vintage chaise was reupholstered in checkerboard Larsen fabric. —Wendy Goodman, Curbed, 4 Nov. 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