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Meaning & use

unequal

adjective·Academic

Last updated

UK/ʌnˈiːkwəl/
US/ʌnˈiːkwəl/

Meanings

  1. adjectivecomparable

    Not the same in size, number, amount or value.

    Grammar: Often before a noun: unequal portions.

    Patterns

    • unequal in something

    The two pieces of cake were unequal in size.

    The sisters received unequal shares of the inheritance.

    The two teams had unequal numbers of players.

  2. adjectivecomparable

    Treating people or groups in an unfair way, giving some more rights, money or power than others.

    Grammar: Describes systems or situations: an unequal society.

    Patterns

    • unequal access to something
    • unequal treatment

    The report highlights unequal pay between men and women.

    Unequal access to schools affects the whole town.

    They called the trade agreement unequal.

  3. adjectivebefore a noun

    Very one-sided because one side is far stronger or better prepared.

    Grammar: Mostly in the phrases an unequal fight, contest or struggle.

    Patterns

    • an unequal contest

    It was an unequal fight between the small shop and the huge chain.

    The unequal contest ended in minutes.

    Lawyers called the struggle unequal from the start.

  4. adjectiveafter a verbformal

    Not strong, skilled or capable enough for a task.

    Grammar: Always followed by to: unequal to the task.

    Patterns

    • unequal to something

    The new manager felt unequal to the task.

    The old bridge proved unequal to the heavy traffic.

    She felt unequal to the challenge of the new role.

Common combinations

unequal treatment
The law bans unequal treatment of employees.
unequal distribution
The unequal distribution of wealth worries economists.
unequal pay
Unequal pay remains a problem in many industries.
an unequal contest
It was an unequal contest from the opening whistle.
unequal to the task
He felt unequal to the task of leading the team.

Synonyms and how they differ

uneven
Uneven often describes surfaces or quality that varies, rather than unfairness.
unfair
Unfair judges something by what is right, while unequal only says things differ.
lopsided
Lopsided suggests a heavy imbalance, usually in a visible shape or result.
disparate
Disparate means very different in kind and is more formal.

Opposites

equalevenbalanced

Word family

equal adjective
the same in amount or status
equality noun
the state of being equal
inequality noun
an unfair difference in wealth or opportunity
unequally adverb
in an uneven or unfair way
equalize verb
to make equal

Commonly confused: unequal or inequitable?

unequal vs inequitable

Inequitable means unfair or unjust, whereas unequal may just mean different in amount.

Practice

Which phrase uses unequal correctly to say someone is not capable enough?

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