Synonyms of uneven

uneven

adjective

ˌən-ˈē-vən 

1

as in jagged

not having a level or smooth surface

the driveway is uneven and collects water in several large puddles whenever it rains

Synonyms & Similar Words

• jagged
• rough
• rugged
• broken
• irregular
• ragged
• bumpy
• lumpy
• wavy
• coarse
• roughened
• pebbly
• scraggy
• lopsided
• unbalanced
• rutted
• harsh
• undulating
• inexact
• pitted
• nonuniform
• unaligned
• undulatory
• pocked
• knobby
• scratchy
• rutty
• knobbly
• nubby
• scraggly
• knurled
• nubbly
• sandpapery
• burred
• knurly

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• smooth
• flat
• level
• uniform
• even
• exact
• regular
• true
• aligned
• vertical
• horizontal
• plane
• straight
• tabular
• plumb
• flush

2

as in changing

not staying constant

the level of attendance at the ballpark has been very uneven this season

Synonyms & Similar Words

• changing
• varying
• unequal
• unstable
• inconsistent
• erratic
• volatile
• changeful
• irregular
• unsteady
• fluctuating
• variable
• uncertain
• capricious
• unsettled
• choppy
• mercurial
• changeable
• fluid
• fickle
• inconstant
• mutable

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• constant
• stable
• steady
• regular
• unchanging
• unvarying
• changeless

3

as in crooked

inclined or twisted to one side

a goofy guy with an uneven grin

Synonyms & Similar Words

• crooked
• tilted
• oblique
• lopsided
• skewed
• tipping
• slanted
• listing
• awry
• slanting
• out of plumb
• pitched
• crazy
• askew
• distorted
• asymmetrical
• off-kilter
• unbalanced
• aslant
• unsymmetrical
• cockeyed
• slantwise
• atilt
• irregular
• disordered
• cock-a-hoop
• contorted

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• level
• straight
• regular
• even
• uniform
• orderly
• balanced
• symmetrical
• ordered

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective uneven contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of uneven are harsh, rough, rugged, and scabrous. While all these words mean "not smooth or even," uneven implies a lack of uniformity in height, breadth, or quality.

an old house with uneven floors

When is harsh a more appropriate choice than uneven?

The synonyms harsh and uneven are sometimes interchangeable, but harsh implies a surface or texture distinctly unpleasant to the touch.

a harsh fabric that chafes the skin

In what contexts can rough take the place of uneven?

While in some cases nearly identical to uneven, rough implies points, bristles, ridges, or projections on the surface.

a rough wooden board

When could rugged be used to replace uneven?

The words rugged and uneven are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, rugged implies irregularity or roughness of land surface and connotes difficulty of travel.

a rugged landscape

When is it sensible to use scabrous instead of uneven?

While the synonyms scabrous and uneven are close in meaning, scabrous implies scaliness or prickliness of surface.

a scabrous leaf

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of uneven

Demand for luxury goods has also been uneven, with a strong period of growth ending last year, McKinsey said. —Tom Chivers, semafor.com, 14 Jan. 2026

Progress has been uneven, and challenges remain, but the country’s cultural influence and global footprint continue to grow. —Lindsey Granger, The Hill, 14 Jan. 2026

After an uneven start from Colten Ellis on Monday, Lyon’s return to the crease seems even more important. —Matthew Fairburn, New York Times, 14 Jan. 2026

This manifests as bumpy, uneven surfaces across lawns and can result in plant loss. —Barbara Gillette, The Spruce, 13 Jan. 2026