skewed

adjective

ˈskyüd 

1

: distorted from a true value or symmetrical form

problematic polling methods that resulted in skewed data

… a series of orange and yellow skewed shapes with mesh squares of different sizes …

—Natalie Savino

2

: deviating from what is normal, direct, or accurate

The treatment will later attempt to correct the anorexic's skewed [=distorted] perceptions about her body.

—Daniel Goleman

More broadly, some critics argue our über-emphasis on sports shows a skewed set of priorities.

—Kase Wickman et al.

This issue of control, and of the price paid for following the sometimes skewed road leading toward self-invention, is among the themes now being grappled with by Mary Harron …

—The New Yorker

Allowing even for my invariably skewed sense of direction, and the dark and sinuous roads that had delivered me to my door the night before, navigating the property is a challenge.

—Nancy Novogrod

Synonyms

• askew
• aslant
• atilt
• awry
• cock-a-hoop
• cockeyed
• crazy
• crooked
• listing
• lopsided
• oblique
• off-kilter
• pitched
• slanted
• slanting
• slantwise
• tilted
• tipping
• uneven

Examples of skewed in a Sentence

he could see that the ropes had gotten all skewed in the collision

Recent Examples on the Web

Intertwined in their narratives are themes of hope, wish-fulfillment, romantic fantasy, and skewed power dynamics between classes and genders. —Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 19 Oct. 2024

Bias in training data can also lead to skewed outcomes, which may affect fairness in lending and accuracy in the decision-making processes. —Ronan Burke, Forbes, 18 Oct. 2024

Their time is very skewed toward my daughter-in-law’s family. —R. Eric Thomas, The Mercury News, 10 Oct. 2024

The demographics of these movers skewed liberal: many were young, college educated and from diverse ethnic backgrounds. —Karissa Waddick, USA TODAY, 8 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined at sense 1