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
Oona A. Hathaway, Foreign Affairs, 24 June 2025
Educational inequality, unequal access to resources and opportunities in schools, and persistent academic achievement gaps between Black and white students.
—Willie Wilson, Chicago Tribune, 19 June 2025
California’s Labor Code now enshrines unequal treatment for a population of working-class immigrant women who have contributed immensely to our state’s economy.
—Tri Ta, Oc Register, 13 June 2025
To the extent those distributions count as athletic financial assistance within the meaning of Title IX, unequal sharing would prove problematic for some schools (there are different tests for Title IX compliance).
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 11 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for unequal
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Adjective
States were able to build more prosperous economies without fearing that a greater military power would conquer them or force them into unequal treaties to fork over the spoils.
—Oona A. Hathaway, Foreign Affairs, 24 June 2025
Educational inequality, unequal access to resources and opportunities in schools, and persistent academic achievement gaps between Black and white students.
—Willie Wilson, Chicago Tribune, 19 June 2025
California’s Labor Code now enshrines unequal treatment for a population of working-class immigrant women who have contributed immensely to our state’s economy.
—Tri Ta, Oc Register, 13 June 2025
To the extent those distributions count as athletic financial assistance within the meaning of Title IX, unequal sharing would prove problematic for some schools (there are different tests for Title IX compliance).
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 11 June 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 1 Jul. 2025.
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