unequal

1 of 3

adjective

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

2

: not uniform : variable, uneven

unequal pulsations

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

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 of unequal

Adjective

• changing
• uneven
• 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

Their characters contended with sexism, inflexible schedules, unequal pay and the near impossibility of balancing work with responsibilities at home. — Arkansas Online, 23 Sep. 2026

Rather than simply presenting us with the unequal gender dynamics of the times, Biller’s dialogue can’t help but wink at the audience, underlining every moment of misogyny just in case viewers weren’t smart enough to get it themselves. — Jourdain Searles, HollywoodReporter, 18 Sep. 2026

The economy is contracting and growing more unequal, leaving a large underclass too poor to participate meaningfully in the new private sector. — Will Freeman, Foreign Affairs, 17 Sep. 2026

If school districts succumb to the pressure of moratoriums and strip AI out of classrooms, the impact will be immediate and unequal. — Erin Mote, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2026

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