uneven

adjective

un·​even ˌən-ˈē-vən 

1

a

archaic : unequal sense 1a

b

: odd sense 4a

an uneven number of players

2

a

: not even : not level or smooth : rugged, ragged

large uneven teeth

uneven handwriting

b

: varying from the straight or parallel

uneven edges

c

: not uniform : irregular

uneven combustion

d

: varying in quality

an uneven performance

3

: unequal sense 3a

an uneven confrontation

unevenly adverb

unevenness

ˌən-ˈē-və(n)-nəs 

noun

Synonyms of uneven

• jagged
• rough
• rugged
• broken
• irregular

Choose the Right Synonym for uneven

rough, harsh, uneven, rugged, scabrous mean not smooth or even.

rough implies points, bristles, ridges, or projections on the surface.

a rough wooden board

harsh implies a surface or texture distinctly unpleasant to the touch.

a harsh fabric that chafes the skin

uneven implies a lack of uniformity in height, breadth, or quality.

an old house with uneven floors

rugged implies irregularity or roughness of land surface and connotes difficulty of travel.

a rugged landscape

scabrous implies scaliness or prickliness of surface.

a scabrous leaf

Examples of uneven in a Sentence

His breathing was shallow and uneven.

You should check your car's tires often for signs of uneven wear.

an uneven distribution of wealth

We have an uneven number of players, so we'll have to rotate.

Recent Examples on the Web

Chunky outsoles are made slip-resistant with lugs that’ll keep you safe on slick city streets and uneven terrain, while rounded toe boxes offer ample room for your feet to sit comfortably. —Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 12 Dec. 2025

But uneven enforcement and a growing list of exceptions have created a regulatory morass that is stifling the continent’s transformation. —Eric Schmidt, Time, 11 Dec. 2025

At the same time, researchers say China’s mix of national and local measures remains uneven, and has struggled to produce a sustained rebound in births. —Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2025

But implementation has been uneven. —Cassandra Burke Robertson, The Conversation, 10 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing uneven

• uneven bars
• uneven parallel bars

Rhymes for uneven

• breakeven
• genevan
• even
• steven

Kids Definition

uneven

adjective

un·​even ˌən-ˈē-vən 

ˈən-

1

: not even : not level or smooth : rugged, ragged

large uneven teeth

uneven handwriting

2

: varying from the straight or parallel

3

: not constant : irregular

uneven earnings

4

: varying in quality

an uneven performance

unevenly adverb

unevenness noun