uneven

adjective

un·​even ˌən-ˈē-vən 

1

a

archaic : unequal sense 1a

b

: odd sense 4a

2

a

: not even : not level or smooth : rugged, ragged

large uneven teeth

uneven handwriting

b

: varying from the straight or parallel

c

: not uniform : irregular

uneven combustion

d

: varying in quality

an uneven performance

3

: unequal sense 3a

an uneven confrontation

unevenly adverb

unevenness

ˌən-ˈē-və(n)-nəs 

noun

Synonyms

• broken
• bumpy
• coarse
• irregular
• jagged
• lumpy
• pebbly
• ragged
• rough
• roughened
• rugged
• scraggy

Choose the Right Synonym for uneven

rough, harsh, uneven, rugged, scabrous mean not smooth or even.

rough implies points, bristles, ridges, or projections on the surface.

a rough wooden board

harsh implies a surface or texture distinctly unpleasant to the touch.

a harsh fabric that chafes the skin

uneven implies a lack of uniformity in height, breadth, or quality.

an old house with uneven floors

rugged implies irregularity or roughness of land surface and connotes difficulty of travel.

a rugged landscape

scabrous implies scaliness or prickliness of surface.

a scabrous leaf

Examples of uneven in a Sentence

His breathing was shallow and uneven.

You should check your car's tires often for signs of uneven wear.

an uneven distribution of wealth

We have an uneven number of players, so we'll have to rotate.

Recent Examples on the Web

The airflow also seemed uneven, requiring trays to be rotated during the dehydrating process. —Jordan Liberty Phillips, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Apr. 2025

After running out of steam with the uneven 1992 sister albums Lucky Town and Human Touch, Springsteen spent most of the decade raising his kids and tentatively circling a reunion with the E Street Band while searching for new directions. —Ryan Leas, Vulture, 3 Apr. 2025

But also undeniable is the Heat receiving tangible depth from the Plan B trade with Butler, depth that arguably had previously been lacking amid the uneven seasons of Terry Rozier and Jaime Jaquez Jr., as well as depth compromised by the broken hand of Nikola Jovic. —Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 3 Apr. 2025

My main skin concerns are visible, congested pores in and around my nose, uneven skin tone, and prevention of signs of aging. —Sarah Han, Allure, 2 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing uneven

• uneven bars
• uneven parallel bars

Rhymes for uneven

• breakeven
• genevan
• even
• steven

Kids Definition

uneven

adjective

un·​even ˌən-ˈē-vən 

ˈən-

1

: not even : not level or smooth : rugged, ragged

large uneven teeth

uneven handwriting

2

: varying from the straight or parallel

3

: not constant : irregular

uneven earnings

4

: varying in quality

an uneven performance

unevenly adverb

unevenness noun