1
: not the same in a way that is unfair : giving more advantages, power, etc., to some people and less to other people for unfair reasons
unequal academic standards for male and female students
unequal justice/treatment based on race
an unequal contest/fight
the unequal [=uneven] distribution of wealth/resources
2
: different in number, degree, quality, size, etc.
unequal amounts
The two boards are unequal in length/size. = The two boards are of unequal length/size.
3
not used before a noun
: not able to do what is needed
—+ to
She felt unequal to the job. [=she felt that she could not do the job]
Cite this Entry
“Unequal.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/unequal. Accessed 16 Apr. 2026.
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