one-sided

adjective

one-sid·​ed ˈwən-ˈsī-dəd How to pronounce one-sided (audio)
1
a(1)
: having one side prominent : lopsided
(2)
: having or occurring on one side only
b
: limited to one side : partial
a one-sided interpretation
2
: unilateral
a one-sided decision
one-sidedly adverb
one-sidedness noun

Examples of one-sided in a Sentence

my neighbor's account of how the feud got started was somewhat one-sided
Recent Examples on the Web But these ties are often mistaken for friendships by Westerners, and frequently turn one-sided in favor of the CCP—absent sufficient leverage. Diane Brady, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2024 The only disparity that was more one-sided was the $22.7 million GOP advantage in Pennsylvania’s Senate race. Ronald J. Hansen, The Arizona Republic, 1 Oct. 2024 Baltimore 21, Buffalo 3 Andrew Greif Here’s one indication of how one-sided this game has been at the half: The Bills have accounted for 90 yards of offense on 29 plays. NBC News, 30 Sep. 2024 The argument would seem less one-sided had such issues been probed more deeply. Charles S. Maier, Foreign Affairs, 1 July 2010 In early 2020, the Trump stood alongside Netanyahu as rolled out his detailed plan for a two-state solution, but the proposal was seen as one-sided in favor of Israel and flatly rejected by Palestinian leaders. Abc News, ABC News, 27 June 2024 Prediction: Jets 28, Seahawks 24 Record: 8-4 Week 14: at Miami Dolphins Sunday, Dec. 8, 1 p.m. The Jets-Dolphins rivalry was one-sided a season ago after Miami swept the season series. Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 15 May 2024 Though Jake initially throws a few good punches, the majority of the fight is one-sided with Jake acting like a masochistic punching bag. Vikram Murthi, Vulture, 4 Mar. 2024 But the score may have been even more one-sided if a rising junior on Northern’s team had accepted a previous invitation to be a student-athlete at Miller. Scott Talley, Detroit Free Press, 25 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'one-sided.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1793, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)

Time Traveler
The first known use of one-sided was circa 1793

Dictionary Entries Near one-sided

Cite this Entry

“One-sided.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/one-sided. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

one-sided

adjective
one-sid·​ed
ˈwən-ˈsīd-əd
1
a
: having one side more developed
b
: having or happening on one side only
2
: favoring one side : partial
a one-sided view of the case
one-sidedly adverb
one-sidedness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on one-sided

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!