Uneven
/ʌnˈiːvn/
Definitions
3 meaningsNot flat or smooth; having a surface that is not level or uniform.
/ʌnˈiːvn/
Not level or smooth; rough or irregular.
The uneven floorboards made the table wobble.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're trying to walk on a sidewalk that has cracks and bumps. That sidewalk is uneven. Uneven things aren't smooth or flat.
👶 For kids: When something is uneven, it means it's not smooth and flat. It might have bumps or dips, like a bumpy road.
More Examples
The artist used an uneven brushstroke to create a textured effect.
The uneven distribution of resources caused social unrest.
How It's Used
"The uneven ground made it difficult to set up the tent."
"The uneven surface of the court affected the bounce of the ball."
Not equal in size, amount, or degree; not uniform or balanced.
/ʌnˈiːvn/
Not equal or balanced; not fair.
The uneven division of labor caused resentment in the workplace.
💡 Simply: Imagine a game where one team has a lot more players than the other. That's an uneven game. It's not fair because the teams aren't balanced.
👶 For kids: When something is uneven, it can also mean things aren't fair or equal. Like when you get way more candies than your friend.
More Examples
There was an uneven application of justice.
The results showed an uneven spread across the survey responses.
How It's Used
"The uneven distribution of wealth led to societal problems."
"The teams were unevenly matched."
Not consistent or regular; varying or fluctuating.
/ʌnˈiːvn/
Not consistent; changing or varying.
The company's profits have been uneven this year.
💡 Simply: Think about your mood sometimes. One day you are happy, the next day you are a little bit sad. It's not the same, it changes, meaning it's uneven.
👶 For kids: When something is uneven, it can also mean it changes a lot. Like a day that's sometimes sunny and sometimes rainy - that's uneven weather!
More Examples
The patient showed an uneven response to the medication.
His breathing was uneven due to the exertion.
How It's Used
"The weather has been uneven this week, with alternating sunshine and rain."
"The singer's performance was uneven, with some strong moments and some weak ones."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
uneven bars
A gymnastics apparatus consisting of two parallel bars set at different heights.
"She practiced her routine on the uneven bars."
uneven battle
A contest where the sides are not evenly matched.
"The uneven battle between the experienced team and the rookies ended quickly."
From Middle English *uneven*, from Old English *unefen* ('not level, unequal'), from *un-* ('not') + *efen* ('even, equal').
Used in a similar manner since the Middle Ages. Early uses focused on physical unevenness, with the concept of imbalance or inequality emerging later.
Memory tip
Think of a bumpy road - it's UNEVEN.
Word Origin
"level, smooth, equal"