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
Sam Sammane, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
But despite the canal’s financial success, Panama today is one of the most unequal countries in Latin America.
—Whitney Eulich, Christian Science Monitor, 8 Apr. 2025
These programs account for around 14 percent of public school budgets, often supporting vulnerable students in school systems that critics say remain deeply unequal.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 20 Mar. 2025
Less clear is what could happen with a more lofty part of its mission — promoting equal access for students in an American education system that is fundamentally unequal.
—Bianca Vázquez Toness, Chicago Tribune, 20 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unequal
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Adjective
The challenge is not the technology itself but rather unequal access to it.
—Sam Sammane, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
But despite the canal’s financial success, Panama today is one of the most unequal countries in Latin America.
—Whitney Eulich, Christian Science Monitor, 8 Apr. 2025
These programs account for around 14 percent of public school budgets, often supporting vulnerable students in school systems that critics say remain deeply unequal.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 20 Mar. 2025
Less clear is what could happen with a more lofty part of its mission — promoting equal access for students in an American education system that is fundamentally unequal.
—Bianca Vázquez Toness, Chicago Tribune, 20 Mar. 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 26 Apr. 2025.
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