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
Hannah Nwoko, Parents, 21 Feb. 2025
Being here can give an impression of political stability and affluence, but many say beneath that veneer lies widespread surveillance, repression and unequal development.
—Guerchom Ndebo, New York Times, 19 Feb. 2025
The unequal toll of COVID-19 kindled a national conversation about health disparities.
—Pria Anand, TIME, 18 Feb. 2025
The intersecting vulnerabilities that affect these men—including homophobia, stigma, poverty, and unequal access to healthcare—remain inadequately addressed by many local and state health officials.
—Melissa Bronstein, Verywell Health, 12 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unequal
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Adjective
An unequal level of investment has persisted leading to a lack of free or affordable public spaces in communities of color.
—Hannah Nwoko, Parents, 21 Feb. 2025
Being here can give an impression of political stability and affluence, but many say beneath that veneer lies widespread surveillance, repression and unequal development.
—Guerchom Ndebo, New York Times, 19 Feb. 2025
The unequal toll of COVID-19 kindled a national conversation about health disparities.
—Pria Anand, TIME, 18 Feb. 2025
The intersecting vulnerabilities that affect these men—including homophobia, stigma, poverty, and unequal access to healthcare—remain inadequately addressed by many local and state health officials.
—Melissa Bronstein, Verywell Health, 12 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unequal
Articles Related to unequal
Cite this Entry
“Unequal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unequal. Accessed 2 Mar. 2025.
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