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
Paige Francis, Forbes, 8 Mar. 2025
Racial and ethnic minorities often experience barriers to health care and have unequal health outcomes.
—Dr. Gary Spinner, Hartford Courant, 4 Mar. 2025
Tenants in common: Allows for unequal ownership shares, useful when partners contribute different amounts toward the down payment or mortgage.
—Brendel Hightower, USA TODAY, 26 Feb. 2025
An unequal level of investment has persisted leading to a lack of free or affordable public spaces in communities of color.
—Hannah Nwoko, Parents, 21 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unequal
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Adjective
Historic barriers Examples include lack of mentors, lack of female role models, gender bias, derogatory behavior in the workplace, unequal growth opportunities, lesser wage scenarios, and more.
—Paige Francis, Forbes, 8 Mar. 2025
Racial and ethnic minorities often experience barriers to health care and have unequal health outcomes.
—Dr. Gary Spinner, Hartford Courant, 4 Mar. 2025
Tenants in common: Allows for unequal ownership shares, useful when partners contribute different amounts toward the down payment or mortgage.
—Brendel Hightower, USA TODAY, 26 Feb. 2025
An unequal level of investment has persisted leading to a lack of free or affordable public spaces in communities of color.
—Hannah Nwoko, Parents, 21 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unequal
Articles Related to unequal
Cite this Entry
“Unequal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unequal. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.
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