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

While the unequal time spent on cognitive labor remains largely invisible, more precisely understanding the types of such labor may help bring it into focus. —Laura Clawson, JSTOR Daily, 27 Apr. 2025

Nonetheless, better and more informed practices are available to address the continued presence of racially segregated and unequal public education. —Raymond Pierce, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025

As the trial unfolds, public protests and media attention highlight the unequal treatment of women in the legal system. —Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 15 Apr. 2025

That’s a nonconsensual, unequal form of interdependence, and the goal was a world where partners can meet as equals. —Sigal Samuel, Vox, 6 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