Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Not equal in quantity, size, value, or status: Describing things or people that are not the same in measure, amount, or rank.
   • Not balanced or matched: Lacking equivalence or symmetry between parts or sides.
   • Inadequate for a task; lacking the necessary ability or strength: Not having the required qualities, resources, or capacity to cope with a demand.

Examples of Usage

• Adjective:
  • The two boxes were of unequal size. (One box was larger than the other.)
  • The treaty was criticized for creating unequal conditions for trade. (The treaty did not establish fair or balanced terms for all parties.)
  • She felt unequal to the challenge of public speaking. (She felt she did not have the necessary confidence or skill for it.)

Advanced Usage

• "to be unequal to": To be inadequate or insufficient for a specific task or demand.
  • The old bridge was unequal to the weight of modern trucks. (The bridge was not strong enough to support them.)
• "unequal distribution": A situation where resources, opportunities, or wealth are not shared fairly or evenly.
  • The report highlighted the unequal distribution of wealth in the country.

Variants and Related Words

• Unequally (adverb): In an unequal manner.
  • The benefits were distributed unequally among the employees.
• Unequalness (noun): The state or quality of being unequal. (Note: This is a less common form; "inequality" is more frequently used.)
• Inequality (noun): The condition of being unequal, especially regarding rights, opportunities, or distribution.
  • Social inequality is a major issue.

Synonyms

• Disparate: Essentially different in kind; not allowing comparison.
• Disproportionate: Too large or too small in relation to something else.
• Inadequate: Not sufficient or suitable.
• Unbalanced: Not evenly distributed or arranged.

Antonyms

• Equal: Being the same in quantity, size, degree, or value.
• Equivalent: Equal in value, amount, function, or meaning.
• Adequate: Satisfactory or acceptable in quality or quantity.

Related Phrases

• Unequal footing: A situation where people or groups do not have the same advantages or status.
  • The negotiations started on unequal footing, favoring the larger company.
• Unequal struggle: A conflict or effort where one side is at a significant disadvantage.
  • It was an unequal struggle against the powerful corporation.

Adjective

1. lacking the requisite qualities or resources to meet a task
   • inadequate training
   • the staff was inadequate
   • she was unequal to the task
2. poorly balanced or matched in quantity or value or measure