un·equal
ˌən-ˈē-kwəl 
1
a
: not of the same measurement, quantity, or number as another
boards of unequal length
b
: not like or not the same as another in degree, worth, or status
pieces of unequal workmanship
3
a
: badly balanced or matched
an unequal contest
b
: contracted between unequals
an unequal treaty
c
: not like or not the same for each member of a group or class
unequal chances for success
d
: not level
unequal ground
e
archaic
: not equable
4
archaic
: not equitable : unjust
5
: inadequate, insufficient
unequal to the task
: one that is not equal to another
archaic
: in an unequal manner
Unequal match'd …—
William Shakespeare
William ShakespeareExamples of unequal in a Sentence
Adjective
unequal academic standards for male and female students
unequal justice based on race
Recent Examples on the Web
R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 20 Apr. 2026
These systems often involve black holes of unequal mass and display strong wobbling and irregular spin patterns.
—Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 12 Apr. 2026
Despite some significant flaws, including unequal access to care in poor and rural areas, its focus on preventive care is widely considered a model worldwide.
—Jessica A.j. Rich, The Conversation, 8 Apr. 2026
Last year, the Education Department terminated one agreement involving books removed from a school library in Georgia, and another targeting harsh discipline and unequal education opportunities for Native students in the Rapid City Area School District in South Dakota.
—ABC News, 6 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unequal
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Adjective
My concern is that this unequal distribution of inheritance would drive my daughters even further apart.
—R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 20 Apr. 2026
These systems often involve black holes of unequal mass and display strong wobbling and irregular spin patterns.
—Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 12 Apr. 2026
Despite some significant flaws, including unequal access to care in poor and rural areas, its focus on preventive care is widely considered a model worldwide.
—Jessica A.j. Rich, The Conversation, 8 Apr. 2026
Last year, the Education Department terminated one agreement involving books removed from a school library in Georgia, and another targeting harsh discipline and unequal education opportunities for Native students in the Rapid City Area School District in South Dakota.
—ABC News, 6 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unequal
Cite this Entry
“Unequal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unequal. Accessed 26 Apr. 2026.
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