uneven

adjective

un·​even ˌən-ˈē-vən 

1

a

archaic : unequal sense 1a

b

: odd sense 4a

2

a

: not even : not level or smooth : rugged, ragged

large uneven teeth

uneven handwriting

b

: varying from the straight or parallel

c

: not uniform : irregular

uneven combustion

d

: varying in quality

an uneven performance

3

: unequal sense 3a

an uneven confrontation

unevenly adverb

unevenness

ˌən-ˈē-və(n)-nəs 

noun

Synonyms

• broken
• bumpy
• coarse
• irregular
• jagged
• lumpy
• pebbly
• ragged
• rough
• roughened
• rugged
• scraggy

Choose the Right Synonym for uneven

rough, harsh, uneven, rugged, scabrous mean not smooth or even.

rough implies points, bristles, ridges, or projections on the surface.

a rough wooden board

harsh implies a surface or texture distinctly unpleasant to the touch.

a harsh fabric that chafes the skin

uneven implies a lack of uniformity in height, breadth, or quality.

an old house with uneven floors

rugged implies irregularity or roughness of land surface and connotes difficulty of travel.

a rugged landscape

scabrous implies scaliness or prickliness of surface.

a scabrous leaf

Examples of uneven in a Sentence

His breathing was shallow and uneven.

You should check your car's tires often for signs of uneven wear.

an uneven distribution of wealth

We have an uneven number of players, so we'll have to rotate.

Recent Examples on the Web

But changes to the original text result in a talky microcosm with uneven performance rhythms (John David Washington is boisterous, frantic, and out of sync). —Armond White, National Review, 27 Dec. 2024

Economic Instability: The Fourth Turning signals economic disruption, with uneven income growth and widespread insecurity. —Bob Haber, Forbes, 27 Dec. 2024

Slippery or uneven surfaces can increase the risk of falling. —Cory Martin, Verywell Health, 18 Dec. 2024

Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid Best for: Dryness, pores, and uneven tone Think of face primers as one of your secret weapons to enhancing the color payoff of your makeup, and making your beauty look last longer. —Kiana Murden, Vogue, 16 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing uneven

• uneven bars
• uneven parallel bars

Kids Definition

uneven

adjective

un·​even ˌən-ˈē-vən 

ˈən-

1

: not even : not level or smooth : rugged, ragged

large uneven teeth

uneven handwriting

2

: varying from the straight or parallel

3

: not constant : irregular

uneven earnings

4

: varying in quality

an uneven performance

unevenly adverb

unevenness noun