asymmetrical

adjective

asym·​met·​ri·​cal ˌā-sə-ˈme-tri-kəl 

variants or asymmetric

ˌā-sə-ˈme-trik 

1

: having two sides or halves that are not the same : not symmetrical

an asymmetrical design

asymmetrical shapes

2

usually asymmetric of a carbon atom : bonded to four different atoms or groups

asymmetrically

ˌā-sə-ˈme-tri-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Examples of asymmetrical in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The penial fold, however, is asymmetrical, earning the species its name, researchers said. —Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 9 Apr. 2025

For the occasion, the actress changed into a classic black dress with a V-neckline and an asymmetrical, off-the-shoulder design on one side. —Renan Botelho, Footwear News, 4 Apr. 2025

The stone scraper — thick, asymmetrical, and with a sharp edge — represents the hallmark of the Quina system. —Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 1 Apr. 2025

Quina scrapers are typically quite thick and asymmetrical, with a broad and sharp working edge that shows clear signs of being used and resharpened multiple times. —Ben Marwick, The Conversation, 31 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Greek asymmetria lack of proportion, from asymmetros ill-proportioned, from a- + symmetros symmetrical

First Known Use

1690, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing asymmetrical

• asymmetrical digital subscriber line

Rhymes for asymmetrical

• diametrical
• geometrical
• unsymmetrical
• metrical
• obstetrical
• symmetrical
• trigonometrical

Kids Definition

asymmetrical

adjective

asym·​met·​ri·​cal ˌā-sə-ˈme-tri-kəl 

variants or asymmetric

-trik 

: not symmetrical

asymmetrically

-tri-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

asymmetry

(ˈ)ā-ˈsim-ə-trē 

noun

Medical Definition

asymmetrical

adjective

asym·​met·​ri·​cal ˌā-sə-ˈme-tri-kəl 

variants or asymmetric

-trik 

1

: not symmetrical

2

usually asymmetric, of a carbon atom : bonded to four different atoms or groups

asymmetrically

-tri-k(ə-)lē 

adverb