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

Look, there is honor in martial arts of course, but there is an aspect of asymmetrical warfare that involves psychology. —Kristen Baldwin, EW.com, 20 July 2024

Cyrus’ minidress featured long sleeves and a plunging bodice with an asymmetrical skirt silhouette. —Renan Botelho, WWD, 19 July 2024

An asymmetrical hemline adds intrigue to this bohemian-style dress, while the sheer fabric is a stellar choice for beating out the summer heat. —Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 17 July 2024

And asymmetrical statement belts are everywhere right now, so take your pick from two shockingly affordable gems that’ll look great paired with a long skirt and cowboy boots at a music festival. —Malia Griggs, Glamour, 16 July 2024

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

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