one-sided

adjective

one-sid·​ed ˈwən-ˈsī-dəd 

1

a(1)

: having one side prominent : lopsided

(2)

: having or occurring on one side only

b

: limited to one side : partial

a one-sided interpretation

2

: unilateral

a one-sided decision

one-sidedly adverb

one-sidedness noun

Synonyms of one-sided

• partial
• hostile
• distorted
• partisan
• biased

Examples of one-sided in a Sentence

my neighbor's account of how the feud got started was somewhat one-sided

Recent Examples on the Web

The group-stage match between reigning champion Spain and the Netherlands at the 2014 FIFA World Cup is remembered as one of the most unexpected one-sided results in the tournament. — Tushaar Kuthiala, Encyclopedia Britannica, 15 July 2026

Scott Dunn, a political communication professor at Radford University, told USA TODAY that social media allows politicians like Kennedy to form parasocial relationships with their followers, effectively creating one-sided intimacy. — Jay Stahl, USA Today, 11 July 2026

After a one-year break due to war travel restrictions, the Americans trounced the Nationals 12-0 at Fenway Park, the most one-sided of the All-Star games. — Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026

Bottom line The most one-sided trade in tech — long chips, short software — is likely starting to unwind. — Todd Gordon, CNBC, 8 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1793, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)

Rhymes for one-sided

• coincided
• subdivided
• undecided
• undivided
• unprovided
• abided
• collided
• confided
• decided
• derided
• divided
• elided

Kids Definition

one-sided

adjective

one-sid·​ed

ˈwən-ˈsīd-əd

1

a

: having one side more developed

b

: having or happening on one side only

2

: favoring one side : partial

a one-sided view of the case

one-sidedly adverb

one-sidedness noun