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
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
: 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
Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025
According to the World Bank, South Africa remains the world's most unequal country.
—Brittney Melton, NPR, 12 May 2025
The viral dystopic show, which centers around main character Seong Gi-hun or Player 456 (Lee Jung-jae), has delighted fans since its 2021 premiere, combining classic thriller elements with a deeper exploration of the human capacity for evil and the perils of an unequal society.
Surprise!
—Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 10 May 2025
The New York Times Within a state, the benefits are unequal
Even as states compete for productions, their incentive programs often pit different parts of a state against one another.
—Ben Blatt, New York Times, 2 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for unequal
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Adjective
Power dynamics in abusive relationships are unequal and attempting to resolve issues through conversation can often provoke further conflict, especially when one partner uses communication as a means to control or manipulate the other.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025
According to the World Bank, South Africa remains the world's most unequal country.
—Brittney Melton, NPR, 12 May 2025
The viral dystopic show, which centers around main character Seong Gi-hun or Player 456 (Lee Jung-jae), has delighted fans since its 2021 premiere, combining classic thriller elements with a deeper exploration of the human capacity for evil and the perils of an unequal society.
Surprise!
—Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 10 May 2025
The New York Times Within a state, the benefits are unequal
Even as states compete for productions, their incentive programs often pit different parts of a state against one another.
—Ben Blatt, New York Times, 2 May 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 22 May. 2025.
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