unequal

1 of 3

adjective

un·​equal ˌən-ˈē-kwəl 

1

a

: not of the same measurement, quantity, or number as another

boards of unequal length

b

: not like or not the same as another in degree, worth, or status

pieces of unequal workmanship

2

: not uniform : variable, uneven

unequal pulsations

3

a

: badly balanced or matched

an unequal contest

b

: contracted between unequals

an unequal treaty

c

: not like or not the same for each member of a group or class

unequal chances for success

d

: not level

unequal ground

e

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 of unequal

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

The circumstances and cultural details may vary, but these unequal power dynamics between families and their domestic workers exist everywhere, to different degrees. — Annika Pham, Variety, 12 Oct. 2026

Six years after a Kansas City Star investigation exposed problems including discrimination, sexism, retaliation and unequal opportunity within the Fire Department, the Urban Summit on Friday put KCFD in the hot seat. — Kansas City Star, 9 Oct. 2026

Psychotherapist Laurel Steinberg, PhD, says this could be due to an unequal mental and emotional load women are expected to carry in heterosexual relationships. — Georgia Casey, Allure, 9 Oct. 2026

Women’s mental well-being can be at risk due to a variety of factors, including unequal domestic responsibilities and physiological changes during the postpartum period, perimenopause and menopause. — Jennifer Weil, Footwear News, 8 Oct. 2026

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