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

Less common side effects include long-lasting lumps and asymmetry. —Kara Nesvig, Allure, 11 Nov. 2025

If done suboptimally, deep plane facelifts can lead to complications such as muscle or nerve damage, infections, irregular hairlines, asymmetry and necrosis, among others. —Adrianna Rodriguez, USA Today, 10 Nov. 2025

Even the imperfections in the costume — the slightly off-shoulder veil, the asymmetry — hint at the cracks in her composure. —Clayton Davis, Variety, 7 Nov. 2025

The side that buys the fastest, most robust feedback loop gains asymmetry. —Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 6 Nov. 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