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

The whole point of terrorism is to have an asymmetrical impact: for a small force to achieve a big effect. —Matt Robison, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 June 2025

But viewed through the right lens, this moment is shaping up to offer an asymmetrical upside for leaders who lean in. —Julian Hayes Ii, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025

There's not a lot of roles with depth for a middle-aged, very obviously a homosexual with an asymmetrical face. —Ilana Kaplan, People.com, 9 June 2025

Related Stories Hilton’s black boots accompanied an asymmetrical black crystal minidress from Alexandre Vauthier, which featured a cape-like sleeve on one side; the garment was fitted and featured a high neckline. —Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 9 June 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