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
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 Carter emphasizes that systemic challenges persist: unequal pay, the lack of affordable childcare, and limited parental leave for fathers all reinforce imbalances in parenting roles. Amy Shoenthal, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025 The racial wealth gap between Black and white households stems from unequal labor income, disparate housing equity and student loan debt, Alyasah Sewell, an associate professor of sociology at Emory University, said in the report. Cheyanne M. Daniels, The Hill, 14 Jan. 2025 This would have eliminated the state-to-state variations that made Medicaid an inconsistent and unequal vehicle for insuring low-income Americans. Guian McKee / Made By History, TIME, 29 Dec. 2024 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 22 Jan. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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