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
Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 10 Sep. 2025
These are hostile and power-driven, with unequal outcomes and are generally harmful.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
Clairet alleges her tenure at Disney started on unequal footing, accusing the company of hiring a man for the same work but with a more senior title and higher pay.
—Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 2 Sep. 2025
Such a world would be more unequal because older people have had more years to accumulate wealth and enjoy the benefits of compound returns.
—Allison Schrager, Twin Cities, 31 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unequal
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Adjective
Under Menon’s handling of the story, the film will aim to expose the dynamics of class and race at play in an unequal romantic relationship.
—Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 10 Sep. 2025
These are hostile and power-driven, with unequal outcomes and are generally harmful.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
Clairet alleges her tenure at Disney started on unequal footing, accusing the company of hiring a man for the same work but with a more senior title and higher pay.
—Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 2 Sep. 2025
Such a world would be more unequal because older people have had more years to accumulate wealth and enjoy the benefits of compound returns.
—Allison Schrager, Twin Cities, 31 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unequal
Cite this Entry
“Unequal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unequal. Accessed 15 Sep. 2025.
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