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
Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 31 May 2026
The tests also showed up to 24% higher throughput when using unequal modulation technologies that are designed to improve consistency even if the signal quality varies across spatial streams.
—Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026
That said, financial stressors and unequal effort in relationships are impossible to ignore today.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 28 May 2026
The allegations include racial harassment, discriminatory assignments, pay inequality, retaliation, failure to prevent discrimination and harassment, and unequal treatment in areas including discipline, promotions, firings, and constructive discharges.
—ArsTechnica, 27 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for unequal
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Adjective
Many of the top women’s players prefer to play during the day, and some have criticized the unequal system despite those preferences.
—Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 31 May 2026
The tests also showed up to 24% higher throughput when using unequal modulation technologies that are designed to improve consistency even if the signal quality varies across spatial streams.
—Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026
That said, financial stressors and unequal effort in relationships are impossible to ignore today.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 28 May 2026
The allegations include racial harassment, discriminatory assignments, pay inequality, retaliation, failure to prevent discrimination and harassment, and unequal treatment in areas including discipline, promotions, firings, and constructive discharges.
—ArsTechnica, 27 May 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 5 Jun. 2026.
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