unequal Meaning, Definition & Usage

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

WordNet

Un*e"qual adjective
Etymology
Cf. Inequal.
Definitions
  1. Not equal; not matched; not of the same size, length, breadth, quantity, strength, talents, acquirements, age, station, or the like; as, the fingers are of unequal length; peers and commoners are unequal in rank.
  2. Ill balanced or matched; disproportioned; hence, not equitable; partial; unjust; unfair.
    Against unequal arms to fight in pain. Milton.
    Jerome, a very unequal relator of the opinion of his adversaries. John Worthington.
    To punish me for what you make me do Seems much unequal. Shak.
  3. Not uniform; not equable; irregular; uneven; as, unequal pulsations; an unequal poem.
  4. Not adequate or sufficient; inferior; as, the man was unequal to the emergency; the timber was unequal to the sudden strain.
  5. (Bot.) Not having the two sides or the parts symmetrical.

Webster 1913