uneven

adjective

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un·even | \ ˌən-ˈē-vən

Definition of uneven

1a archaic : unequal sense 1a

b : odd sense 4a

2a : not even : not level or smooth : rugged, ragged large uneven teeth uneven handwriting

b : varying from the straight or parallel

c : not uniform : irregular uneven combustion

d : varying in quality an uneven performance

3 : unequal sense 3a an uneven confrontation

Other Words from uneven Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Phrases Containing uneven Learn More About uneven

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 The world’s food systems are uneven, fragile, and only becoming more fragile with the climate crisis. — WIRED, 29 Sep. 2022 Coverage is also uneven across the U.S. worker population. — Emily Barone, Time, 28 Sep. 2022 If his concert music can sometimes be uneven, the slow movements can be counted on to contain enchantment. — Mark Swed, Los Angeles Times, 28 Sep. 2022 The mango wood is kiln-dried to prevent warping, splitting, and mildew, and if your floors are uneven, adjustable levelers are here to help. — Rena Behar, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Sep. 2022 Access to that training is uneven, and language barriers often keep communities from seeking grants. — Carlos A. Suárez Carrasquillo, The Conversation, 21 Sep. 2022 Here Local 2 member, said his workload has been uneven. — Roland Li, San Francisco Chronicle, 20 Sep. 2022 The office return has also been uneven across the U.S. — Peter Grant, WSJ, 19 Sep. 2022 The white lighting is uneven and looks blotchy on a few keys. — Scharon Harding, Ars Technica, 17 Sep. 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'uneven.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.