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

Despite the star power on both sides, the final was strikingly one-sided. — Kayla Hayempour, NBC news, 20 July 2026

In some physical altercations, both residents were aggressors, while other fights were one-sided. — Jordan Rau, NPR, 19 July 2026

This was a one-sided slog from the start, a disappointing show, no matter how many celebrities and FIFA Peace Prize recipients were in attendance. — Filip Bondy, New York Daily News, 19 July 2026

Robin van Persie, the Flying Dutchman 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, 16 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