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
Essence, 1 Jan. 2026
The Four Spent the Day Together picks up the story of their rocky, long-distance relationship, which has survived into the next decade despite their unequal dynamic and Paul’s volatility.
—Rosa Lyster, Harpers Magazine, 30 Dec. 2025
These mechanisms could convert the current phase-one ceasefire agreement into a more durable arrangement in which Palestinians remain under tight military control, with their land sliced into zones of unequal rights and access, and their future managed by foreign powers.
—Mohammed R. Mhawish, New Yorker, 29 Dec. 2025
Operations funding unequal across districts Every state has a different way of funding school transportation, with some providing direct funding to schools while others, like Indiana, leave it up to the district to find the funding or rely on local sources.
—Caroline Beck, IndyStar, 26 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unequal
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Adjective
But the historical data may already reflect decades of unequal care.
—Essence, 1 Jan. 2026
The Four Spent the Day Together picks up the story of their rocky, long-distance relationship, which has survived into the next decade despite their unequal dynamic and Paul’s volatility.
—Rosa Lyster, Harpers Magazine, 30 Dec. 2025
These mechanisms could convert the current phase-one ceasefire agreement into a more durable arrangement in which Palestinians remain under tight military control, with their land sliced into zones of unequal rights and access, and their future managed by foreign powers.
—Mohammed R. Mhawish, New Yorker, 29 Dec. 2025
Operations funding unequal across districts Every state has a different way of funding school transportation, with some providing direct funding to schools while others, like Indiana, leave it up to the district to find the funding or rely on local sources.
—Caroline Beck, IndyStar, 26 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unequal
Cite this Entry
“Unequal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unequal. Accessed 5 Jan. 2026.
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