uneven

adjective

un·​even ˌən-ˈē-vən How to pronounce uneven (audio)
1
a
archaic : unequal sense 1a
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 noun
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
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.
The pandemic may have accelerated long-standing public health challenges, and the recovery, the study makes clear, has been uneven and incomplete. Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2025 Spongy or uneven surfaces are caused by structural weakening from internal damage. Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 July 2025 Whether dealing with slick grass, gravel paths, or uneven surfaces, the Sunseeker Elite X7 maintains control and performance with minimal slippage. William Jones, USA Today, 9 July 2025 The trail to the arch is relatively easy, featuring a gradual descent over uneven and rocky terrain. AFAR Media, 7 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for uneven

Word History

First Known Use

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of uneven was before the 12th century

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Cite this Entry

“Uneven.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/uneven. Accessed 14 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

uneven

adjective
un·​even ˌən-ˈē-vən How to pronounce uneven (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on uneven

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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