uneven

1 of 2

adjective

un·​even ˌən-ˈē-vən 

1

a

archaic : unequal sense 1a

b

: odd sense 4a

an uneven number of players

2

a

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

large uneven teeth

uneven handwriting

b

: varying from the straight or parallel

uneven edges

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

unevenness

2 of 2

noun

un·​evenness "+ 

1

: the quality or state of being uneven:

a

: inequality

unevenness of height

b

: roughness

the unevenness of land surfaces

the unevenness of the path

c

: lack of uniform quality : irregularity, inconsistency

the unevenness of the essays detracts from the book's overall effect

—F. R. Dulles

d

: temperamental instability

the unevenness of his moods and behavior

2

: an uneven place

file down the unevennesses

Synonyms of uneven

Adjective

• jagged
• rough
• rugged
• broken
• irregular

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

Adjective

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

Adjective

These accounts often waive monthly fees without a minimum balance and offer larger transaction or cash deposit allowances, since nonprofits may see uneven cash flow tied to grant cycles and fundraising. — Andreina Rodriguez, CNBC, 21 Oct. 2026

The two-step treatment starts with a potent trio of glycolic, lactic, and mandelic acids to tackle uneven tone, fine lines, and rough texture, followed by a mask with kaolin and bentonite clays. — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 21 Oct. 2026

After injuries and an uneven tenure with the Giants, Ezeudu became available, presenting the Chiefs with an opportunity to address their line depth. — Pete Sweeney, Kansas City Star, 21 Oct. 2026

The findings suggest that while broader insurance inflation is moderating, affordability remains uneven, with regional market conditions and individual circumstances determining how much relief households actually experience. — Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English unevennesse, from uneven + -nesse -ness

First Known Use

Adjective

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

Phrases Containing uneven

• uneven bars
• uneven parallel bars

Rhymes for uneven

• breakeven
• genevan
• even
• steven

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