1 uneven | Definition of uneven
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uneven

adjective
un·​even | \ ˌən-ˈē-vÉ™n How to pronounce uneven (audio) \

Definition of uneven

1a archaic : unequal sense 1a
b : odd sense 3a
2a : 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
Other Words from uneven Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about uneven

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Other Words from uneven

unevenly adverb
unevenness \ ˌən-​ˈē-​vÉ™(n)-​nÉ™s How to pronounce unevenness (audio) \ noun

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.
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Recent Examples on the Web

 Suicide is a worldwide problem, but its effects are uneven. — Eva Frederick, Science | AAAS, "Top stories: The mysterious monkeyflower, same-sex genetics, and Lucy’s likely ancestor," 30 Aug. 2019 That's a big jump but quarterbacks have made similar improvements, though Brissett has been uneven at times this preseason. — Nat Newell, Indianapolis Star, "Why Jacoby Brissett is capable of being the Colts starting quarterback," 29 Aug. 2019 Much of the imagery is striking, but some of it is overdone, so much so that the work is uneven. — Janine Parker, BostonGlobe.com, "Two works by Martha Graham make the company’s EVE Project at Jacob’s Pillow transcendant," 16 Aug. 2019 The president’s response to the shootings — nine more people were killed in Ohio a few hours after El Paso — has been uneven. — Washington Post, "Trump heads for golf club holiday - but summer storms loom," 9 Aug. 2019 And, although the United States has been grappling with school shootings for two decades, threat assessment and mental health counseling in U.S. schools is still uneven. — Anchorage Daily News, "Analysis: Even with ‘red flags’ in their youth, mass shooters often slip through the cracks," 7 Aug. 2019 Noble said her eyebrows were uneven for a couple of months following the procedure but eventually evened out. — Fox News, "Ex-cheerleader's skin cancer left her with graphic, gaping hole in head," 25 July 2019 And the program's overall track record of people keeping their licenses is uneven. — James Causey, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Milwaukee judges say helping people earn back their driver licenses could cut down on reckless driving," 7 June 2019 But after hoisting the trophy in Melbourne, Osaka was a bit uneven away from the hard courts, losing in the third round of the French Open and in the first round at Wimbledon. — Jill Martin, CNN, "After an uneven start, Naomi Osaka starts US Open title defense with win over Anna Blinkova," 27 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'uneven.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of uneven

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

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More Definitions for uneven

uneven

adjective
How to pronounce uneven (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of uneven

: not level, flat, or smooth
: not straight or parallel
: not following a regular pattern : not the same in all parts or at all times

See the full definition for uneven in the English Language Learners Dictionary

uneven

adjective
un·​even | \ ˌən-ˈē-vÉ™n How to pronounce uneven (audio) \

Kids Definition of uneven

1 : odd sense 3 uneven numbers
2 : not level, straight, or smooth an uneven surface
3 : irregular sense 4 uneven breathing
4 : varying in quality an uneven performance
5 : unequal sense 2 an uneven competition

Other Words from uneven

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