uneven

adjective

un·​even ˌən-ˈē-vən How to pronounce uneven (audio)
1
a
archaic : unequal sense 1a
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 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.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The move relegates Miller Moss to a reserve role after nine uneven starts this season. Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2024 But the reality has been far more sluggish, marked by incremental progress and uneven adoption. Zennon Kapron, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024 Each square is filled with down, but because no fill exists at the seams and down fill peaks at the center of the squares, heat distribution is uneven. Marni Jameson, The Mercury News, 31 Oct. 2024 Wild rose, vitamin C, rosehip oil Best For: Suited for dry, oily, normal, and combination skin types, the cream most effectively targets uneven texture. Jenny Berg, Vogue, 31 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for uneven 

Word History

First Known Use

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of uneven was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near uneven

Cite this Entry

“Uneven.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/uneven. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

uneven

adjective
un·​even ˌən-ˈē-vən How to pronounce uneven (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on uneven

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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