unequal

1 of 3

adjective

un·​equal ˌən-ˈē-kwəl How to pronounce unequal (audio)
1
a
: not of the same measurement, quantity, or number as another
b
: not like or not the same as another in degree, worth, or status
2
: not uniform : variable, uneven
3
a
: badly balanced or matched
an unequal contest
b
: contracted between unequals
unequal marriages
c
archaic : not equable
4
archaic : not equitable : unjust
5
: inadequate, insufficient
unequal to the task
unequally adverb

unequal

2 of 3

noun

: one that is not equal to another

unequal

3 of 3

adverb

archaic
: in an unequal manner
unequal match'dWilliam Shakespeare

Examples of unequal in a Sentence

Adjective unequal academic standards for male and female students unequal justice based on race
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
This setting—a volatile, unequal economic order—created opportunities for nationalist politics and politicians. Michael Brenes, Foreign Affairs, 28 Jan. 2025 An Odd Story, Explained Balancing Profitability With Community A clear example is rapid urban growth that neglects the planning of meaningful public spaces, resulting in disconnected and unequal communities. Yermys Pena, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2025 Undoubtedly, given the unequal justice applied and the vast resources used against these defendants, there were individual injustices that ought to have been met with clemency, although our preference would still have been for a review of individual cases rather than a blanket pardon. The Editors, National Review, 22 Jan. 2025 But in a world of unequal risks and unequal power, who gets to choose the path such projects will take? The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 14 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for unequal 

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Noun

circa 1573, in the meaning defined above

Adverb

1604, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unequal was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near unequal

Cite this Entry

“Unequal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unequal. Accessed 4 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

unequal

adjective
un·​equal
ˌən-ˈē-kwəl,
ˈən-
1
a
: not of the same measurement, quantity, or number as another
b
: not like or not the same as another in value or worth
2
3
: badly balanced or matched
an unequal fight
4
: inadequate, insufficient
unequal to the task
unequally
-kwə-lē
adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on unequal

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