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
Seyed Rahim Bathaei, CBS News, 20 Apr. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for unequal
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Adjective
From that time, the community has shrunk for various reasons, including anxiety over unequal treatment — which the government denies, insisting that Jews are allowed to practice their religion openly and without fear of persecution.
—Seyed Rahim Bathaei, CBS News, 20 Apr. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for unequal
Cite this Entry
“Unequal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unequal. Accessed 28 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
