asymmetrical

adjective

asym·​met·​ri·​cal ˌā-sə-ˈme-tri-kəl 

variants or asymmetric

ˌā-sə-ˈme-trik 

1

: having two sides or halves that are not the same : not symmetrical

an asymmetrical design

asymmetrical shapes

2

usually asymmetric of a carbon atom : bonded to four different atoms or groups

asymmetrically

ˌā-sə-ˈme-tri-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Examples of asymmetrical in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This asymmetrical structure ensures that one side of the fabric remains relatively wet while the other continuously dries. —Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 5 Jan. 2026

Keyli Shoulder Bag Aniston’s bag also had an asymmetrical shape, much like this now-$30 purse that was purchased more than 200 times in the last 30 days. —Alyssa Grabinski, PEOPLE, 31 Dec. 2025

For an abstract take, alternate pink and red asymmetrical tips. —Emily Kelleher, InStyle, 29 Dec. 2025

With two very asymmetrical playable factions (and the promise of stranger additions on the horizon), this RTS leans hard on its sci-fi elements, and the moment-to-moment fun factor is higher because of it. —Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 26 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Greek asymmetria lack of proportion, from asymmetros ill-proportioned, from a- + symmetros symmetrical

First Known Use

1690, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing asymmetrical

• asymmetrical digital subscriber line

Rhymes for asymmetrical

• diametrical
• geometrical
• unsymmetrical
• metrical
• obstetrical
• symmetrical
• trigonometrical

Kids Definition

asymmetrical

adjective

asym·​met·​ri·​cal ˌā-sə-ˈme-tri-kəl 

variants or asymmetric

-trik 

: not symmetrical

asymmetrically

-tri-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

asymmetry

(ˈ)ā-ˈsim-ə-trē 

noun

Medical Definition

asymmetrical

adjective

asym·​met·​ri·​cal ˌā-sə-ˈme-tri-kəl 

variants or asymmetric

-trik 

1

: not symmetrical

2

usually asymmetric, of a carbon atom : bonded to four different atoms or groups

asymmetrically

-tri-k(ə-)lē 

adverb