unequal

un·equal | \ ˌən-ˈē-kwəl

How to pronounce unequal (audio)

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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

Definition of unequal (Entry 2 of 3)

: one that is not equal to another

unequal

Definition of unequal (Entry 3 of 3)

archaic

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

Other Words from unequal Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about unequal

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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 Some athletes have said the virus is also hindering their training, and could create an unequal playing field in Tokyo this summer. — Tom Schad, USA TODAY, "USOPC official echoes IOC stance on Tokyo Olympics, says we 'don't have to make a decision' right now," 20 Mar. 2020 Wiler complained about unequal pay and working conditions prior to her filing a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in 2017 and continued to do so until she was forced to resign, according to the suit. — Eric Heisig, cleveland, "Former Kent State University women’s field hockey coach sues, says she made far less than male counterparts," 6 Mar. 2020 Some Democratic voters complained about an unequal number of voting machines compared with machines for Republican voters, causing longer waits for Democrats. — Lavendrick Smith, Dallas News, "Long lines, broken machines causing frustration for some voters in Dallas, Tarrant counties," 3 Mar. 2020 For example, African American women — a demographic at risk of unequal and inadequate medical treatment — are three times more likely to die from complications due to hypertension during pregnancy. — Audrey Mcnamara, CBS News, "Women face some unique risks for heart disease. Here are symptoms to look out for.," 11 Feb. 2020 Instead of unequal liberties, plural, give everyone the same liberty, singular. — The Economist, "Open Future The power of liberalism can combat oppression in all its forms," 8 Jan. 2020 In 1951, Barbara Johns organized a walkout of her African American school to protest the unequal facility conditions and overcrowding. — NBC News, "Virginia Governor seeks bill replacing Robert E. Lee statue in U.S. Capitol," 2 Jan. 2020 Over the course of the neoliberal era, economies around the world have become more and more unequal. — Ganesh Sitaraman, The New Republic, "The Collapse of Neoliberalism," 23 Dec. 2019 But the second historical crisis points in a different direction: beyond the sturm and drang of the Trump presidency, Americans are grappling with the most unequal economic landscape since the Gilded Age. — Time, "The Real 2020 Battle Lines: 'Hope' Versus 'Change'," 4 Dec. 2019

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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Dictionary Entries near unequal

unequal counterpoint

Statistics for unequal

Last Updated

26 Mar 2020

Cite this Entry

“Unequal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unequal. Accessed 6 Apr. 2020.

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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

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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