un·equal
ˌən-ˈē-kwəl 
1
a
: not of the same measurement, quantity, or number as another
boards of unequal length
b
: not like or not the same as another in degree, worth, or status
pieces of unequal workmanship
3
a
: badly balanced or matched
an unequal contest
b
: contracted between unequals
an unequal treaty
c
: not like or not the same for each member of a group or class
unequal chances for success
d
: not level
unequal ground
e
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
Julia Frankel, Los Angeles Times, 31 Mar. 2026
While progress has been made, access to earning time off by reading remains unequal across Brazil, said Rodrigo Dias, head of education, culture and sport in the country’s National Secretariat of Penal Policies.
—ABC News, 29 Mar. 2026
The data revealed Black babies have a higher likelihood to die than others and that mothers of color also face the brunt of unequal access to care and predisposition to certain medical conditions.
—Briah Lumpkins, Charlotte Observer, 27 Mar. 2026
In a world where everything is supposed to be equal, the rev-share can now be unequal.
—Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unequal
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Adjective
Israeli rights groups and international organizations say the law violates international law and discriminates against Palestinians through unequal application across courts.
—Julia Frankel, Los Angeles Times, 31 Mar. 2026
While progress has been made, access to earning time off by reading remains unequal across Brazil, said Rodrigo Dias, head of education, culture and sport in the country’s National Secretariat of Penal Policies.
—ABC News, 29 Mar. 2026
The data revealed Black babies have a higher likelihood to die than others and that mothers of color also face the brunt of unequal access to care and predisposition to certain medical conditions.
—Briah Lumpkins, Charlotte Observer, 27 Mar. 2026
In a world where everything is supposed to be equal, the rev-share can now be unequal.
—Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unequal
Cite this Entry
“Unequal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unequal. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.
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