unequal

adjective

un·equal | \ ˌən-ˈē-kwəl

Definition of unequal

(Entry 1 of 3)

1a : not of the same measurement, quantity, or number as another

b : not like or not the same as another in degree, worth, or status

2 : not uniform : variable, uneven

3a : badly balanced or matched an unequal contest

b : contracted between unequals unequal marriages

c archaic : not equable

4 archaic : not equitable : unjust

5 : inadequate, insufficient unequal to the task

unequal

noun

Definition of unequal (Entry 2 of 3)

: one that is not equal to another

unequal

adverb

Definition of unequal (Entry 3 of 3)

archaic

: in an unequal manner unequal match'd— William Shakespeare

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Examples of unequal in a Sentence

Adjective

unequal academic standards for male and female students unequal justice based on race

Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective

Beyond equity in public housing, the rule is viewed as a means to break down structural disparities created over the years by government decision-making and unequal treatment of minorities. — Bill Lambrecht, ExpressNews.com, "Julián Castro draws on HUD experience as 2020 candidates pitch affordable housing plans," 13 June 2019 But with their pay still unequal to the men’s team, the women’s team filed a lawsuit against US Soccer in March in the lead up to the World Cup series. — Tara Golshan, Vox, "How the US women’s soccer team 13-0 World Cup win against Thailand became about pay equity," 11 June 2019 Is separate but unequal housing a prudent and legal approach to the affordability problem? — Claire Shamblin, The Denver Post, "Guest Commentary: Proposed development on Sloan’s Lake offers “poor doors” instead of affordable housing," 11 June 2019 Plugging in unequal input and churning out equal output is merely a formula for reversed unfairness. — Lionel Shriver, Harper's magazine, "Fifty-Fifty Follies," 10 June 2019 Access to quality education in the United States remains unequal and unjust, especially for those who need it most. — Jenn M. Jackson, Teen Vogue, "Access to Education for Black Children Proves Difficult for Their Parents, Creating a Disadvantage," 13 Mar. 2019 Opportunity would be better equalized, at least while other things in America remain very unequal, by meting out financial aid as kids actually need it. — Nathan Heller, The New Yorker, "Who Really Stands to Win from Universal Basic Income?," 24 Mar. 2014 Then see whether any of them acts on it through unequal treatment. — Carolyn Hax, The Seattle Times, "How can parents protect child, conceived with donor egg, from toxic relatives?," 30 July 2018 Honduras is one of the most unequal places in the world, with rampant unemployment and widespread economic insecurity. — Amanda Erickson, Washington Post, "Why do some families risk crossing the U.S. border? Because if they don’t, they’ll be killed.," 20 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'unequal.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Last Updated

19 Jun 2019

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The first known use of unequal was in 1565

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More Definitions for unequal

unequal

adjective

English Language Learners Definition of unequal

: not the same in a way that is unfair : giving more advantages, power, etc., to some people and less to other people for unfair reasons

: different in number, degree, quality, size, etc.

: not able to do what is needed

See the full definition for unequal in the English Language Learners Dictionary

unequal

adjective

un·equal | \ ˌən-ˈē-kwəl

Kids Definition of unequal

1 : not alike (as in size or value)

2 : badly balanced or matched an unequal fight

3 : not having the needed abilities They proved unequal to the task.

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unequal

Definition of unequal

Other Words from unequal

Synonyms & Antonyms for unequal

Examples of unequal in a Sentence

First Known Use of unequal

Learn More about unequal

Dictionary Entries near unequal

Statistics for unequal

The first known use of unequal was in 1565

English Language Learners Definition of unequal