Unequal
/ʌnˈiːkwəl/
Definitions
2 meaningsNot the same; different in size, quantity, or degree.
/ʌnˈiːkwəl/
Not equal in size, quantity, or degree.
The students received an unequal amount of homework.
💡 Simply: Imagine you and your friend are sharing cookies, but you get way more than they do. That would be an unequal sharing! It just means things aren't the same amount or size.
👶 For kids: When something is unequal, it's not the same. Like if one kid has more toys than another.
More Examples
The company faced criticism for unequal pay practices.
The unequal terrain made hiking difficult.
How It's Used
"The two sides of the equation are unequal."
"There is an unequal distribution of wealth in many societies."
"They divided the pie into unequal portions."
Not level or even.
/ʌnˈiːkwəl/
The uneven floorboards caused the furniture to wobble.
💡 Simply: Imagine a seesaw that's tilted to one side. That's an example of an unequal surface. It means things aren't straight or level.
👶 For kids: If something is not flat or straight, it's unequal, like a bumpy road.
More Examples
The unequal distribution of weight on the shelf caused it to tip.
How It's Used
"The foundation was built on unequal ground, causing the building to tilt."
"Unequal bars are a gymnastic apparatus."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
unequal to the task
Not capable or competent to perform a particular job or duty.
"The inexperienced team was unequal to the challenge of the project."
From Middle English *uneqwal*, from un- (not) + equal. Equal itself comes from Latin *aequālis* 'equal, level'.
The word 'unequal' has been in use since the 14th century, reflecting early concerns about fairness and balance.
Memory tip
Think of 'un' (not) + 'equal' - so it means NOT equal.
Word Origin
"equal, level"