unequal

1 of 3

adjective

un·​equal ˌən-ˈē-kwəl 

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

ˌən-ˈē-kwə-lē 

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'd

—William Shakespeare

Synonyms

Adjective

• changing
• erratic
• fluctuating
• irregular
• uneven
• unstable
• unsteady
• varying

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

Adjective

The firm has already been clear about serious issues in the district, finding that many students learn in outdated facilities that are either wasting space or overcrowded, all while access to specialty academic programs is unequal across the city and overall enrollment is falling. —Cleo Krejci, Journal Sentinel, 31 Oct. 2024

The case reached the Supreme Court in 2007, where the justices ruled 5-4 that Ledbetter should have filed her lawsuit within 180 days of her first unequal pay compared to her peers. —Lizzie Hyman, People.com, 14 Oct. 2024

Factors like residential segregation and unequal access to employment opportunities have exacerbated these income disparities for generations. —Jr Radcliffe, Journal Sentinel, 10 Oct. 2024

My parents had quite unequal salaries and money was always a source of tension between them, and was sometimes weaponised. —refinery29.com, 13 Sep. 2024

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

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

: variable entry 1 sense 3, uneven

3

: badly balanced or matched

an unequal fight

4

: inadequate, insufficient

unequal to the task

unequally

-kwə-lē

adverb