unequal

1 of 3

adjective

un·​equal ˌən-ˈē-kwəl 

1

a

: 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

3

a

: 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

unequally

ˌən-ˈē-kwə-lē 

adverb

unequal

2 of 3

noun

: one that is not equal to another

unequal

3 of 3

adverb

archaic

: in an unequal manner

unequal match'd

—William Shakespeare

Synonyms

Adjective

• changing
• erratic
• fluctuating
• irregular
• uneven
• unstable
• unsteady
• varying

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

Being Wealthy In Mexico–Average Net Worth And The Top 10% Statista data shows that Mexico is one of the most unequal countries in Latin America in terms of wealth distribution. —Alex Ledsom, Forbes.com, 17 Apr. 2025

One of the biggest caveats is the unequal division of household chores, which can leave one person doing most of the work while others contribute little to nothing. —Mark Travers, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025

The challenge is not the technology itself but rather unequal access to it. —Sam Sammane, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025

But despite the canal’s financial success, Panama today is one of the most unequal countries in Latin America. —Whitney Eulich, Christian Science Monitor, 8 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Noun

circa 1573, in the meaning defined above

Adverb

1604, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for unequal

• coequal
• subequal
• equal
• sequel

Kids Definition

unequal

adjective

un·​equal

ˌən-ˈē-kwəl,

ˈən-

1

a

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

b

: not like or not the same as another in value or worth

2

: variable entry 1 sense 3, uneven

3

: badly balanced or matched

an unequal fight

4

: inadequate, insufficient

unequal to the task

unequally

-kwə-lē

adverb