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
Cite this Entry
“Unequal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unequal. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.
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