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
• uneven
• 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

Clairet alleges her tenure at Disney started on unequal footing, accusing the company of hiring a man for the same work but with a more senior title and higher pay. —Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 2 Sep. 2025

Such a world would be more unequal because older people have had more years to accumulate wealth and enjoy the benefits of compound returns. —Allison Schrager, Twin Cities, 31 Aug. 2025

Advertisement The impacts of Hurricane Katrina were deeply unequal on a scale unseen in prior tragedies, vividly demonstrating how inequities, including along lines of race and income, amplify disaster impacts and shape the disaster response and recovery process. —Manann Donoghoe, Time, 28 Aug. 2025

Caprio also used his fame to address issues like unequal access to the judicial system. —Jason Ma, Fortune, 23 Aug. 2025

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

Rhymes for unequal

• coequal
• subequal
• equal
• sequel

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