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

Unlike the Tribune, none of the outlets Welch spoke with had interviewed the harassment victims, leaving Welch to present a largely one-sided account. — Rick Pearson, Chicago Tribune, 6 Aug. 2026

The inspiration was a one-sided deal between the Boston Red Sox and the Yankees, but not the one involving George Herman Ruth. — Tyler Kepner, New York Times, 31 July 2026

And throughout their exchange, Paul weaved in his analysis of Fauci’s actions to frame the one-sided conversation his way. — ABC News, 29 July 2026

Helping to reframe the traditional romantic gesture, the film was shot by emerging local talents, including director Zhou Jinghao and cinematographer Cheng Ma, and explores love as a mutual choice rather than a one-sided act of devotion. — Denni Hu, Footwear News, 28 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