asymmetry

noun

asym·​me·​try (ˌ)ā-ˈsi-mə-trē 

plural asymmetries

: lack or absence of symmetry

As Mercury orbits the Sun, it experiences a small torque due to its slight asymmetry in the plane of its orbit …

—Johanna Miller

French rococo was a part of this mood, which tended to favor pastel colors, asymmetry, a calculated disorder, a dreamy sensuality.

—Jonathan D. Spence

"Handedness"—whether we are left- or right-handed—is a convenient indicator of the development of the brain asymmetries that are thought to be required for language.

—Tim Flannery

Examples of asymmetry in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Built in 1890 and set on a half acre in Newton Centre, this home pairs the playful asymmetry and fine millwork of the period with updates that make daily life easy and comfortable. —Miriam Schwartz, Boston Herald, 11 Sep. 2025

The central factor is the growing power asymmetry between China and India, and Beijing demanding deference within Asia—a hierarchy India resists. —Shyam Saran, Time, 10 Sep. 2025

That asymmetry matters when calculating total cost and complexity. —Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 10 Sep. 2025

The contrast is a study in asymmetry. —Ariel Cohen, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1651, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for asymmetry

• altimetry
• dosimetry
• calorimetry
• colorimetry
• supersymmetry
• symmetry

Medical Definition

asymmetry

noun

asym·​me·​try (ˈ)ā-ˈsim-ə-trē 

plural asymmetries

1

: lack or absence of symmetry: as

a

: lack of proportion between the parts of a thing

especially : want of bilateral symmetry

asymmetry in the development of the two sides of the brain

b

: lack of coordination of two parts acting in connection with one another

asymmetry of convergence of the eyes

2

: lack of symmetry in spatial arrangement of atoms and groups in a molecule