one-sided

adjective

one-sid·​ed ˈwən-ˈsī-dəd How to pronounce one-sided (audio)
1
a(1)
: having one side prominent : lopsided
(2)
: having or occurring on one side only
b
: limited to one side : partial
a one-sided interpretation
2
: unilateral
a one-sided decision
one-sidedly adverb
one-sidedness noun

Examples of one-sided in a Sentence

my neighbor's account of how the feud got started was somewhat one-sided
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But the relationship is less one-sided in the movie. Patrick Ryan, USA TODAY, 7 Dec. 2024 That streak is now all but certain to reach seven consecutive wins after a four-touchdown game in primetime that was so one-sided the Bills pulled Allen to avoid risking injury with Buffalo leading 35-10 early in the fourth quarter. Andrew Greif, NBC News, 2 Dec. 2024 Their matchup was too one-sided at times in camp with Sweat seemingly dominating for days. Kevin Fishbain, The Athletic, 26 Aug. 2024 But these ties are often mistaken for friendships by Westerners, and frequently turn one-sided in favor of the CCP—absent sufficient leverage. Diane Brady, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2024 The only disparity that was more one-sided was the $22.7 million GOP advantage in Pennsylvania’s Senate race. Ronald J. Hansen, The Arizona Republic, 1 Oct. 2024 Baltimore 21, Buffalo 3 Andrew Greif Here’s one indication of how one-sided this game has been at the half: The Bills have accounted for 90 yards of offense on 29 plays. NBC News, 30 Sep. 2024 The argument would seem less one-sided had such issues been probed more deeply. Charles S. Maier, Foreign Affairs, 1 July 2010 In early 2020, the Trump stood alongside Netanyahu as rolled out his detailed plan for a two-state solution, but the proposal was seen as one-sided in favor of Israel and flatly rejected by Palestinian leaders. Abc News, ABC News, 27 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1793, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)

Time Traveler
The first known use of one-sided was circa 1793

Dictionary Entries Near one-sided

Cite this Entry

“One-sided.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/one-sided. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

one-sided

adjective
one-sid·​ed
ˈwən-ˈsīd-əd
1
a
: having one side more developed
b
: having or happening on one side only
2
: favoring one side : partial
a one-sided view of the case
one-sidedly adverb
one-sidedness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on one-sided

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!