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asymmetry
/eɪˈsɪm.ə.tri/
lack of balance or symmetry
The asymmetry in the design made the logo look unbalanced.
The uneven proportions in the design created an imbalance.
formal
The absence or lack of symmetry; an imbalance between two or more sides or parts.
The asymmetry in the building's architecture drew attention to its modern style.
The uneven design elements highlighted the building's contemporary aesthetic.
Economic asymmetry between trading partners can lead to unfair advantages.
Unequal economic conditions between countries may result in one side gaining an unfair advantage.
Often used in mathematics, biology, art, economics, and engineering to describe irregularity or imbalance.
Collocations
asymmetry inused to indicate the imbalance occurs within a specific contextstructural asymmetryimbalance in the physical structure of an objecteconomic asymmetryunequal conditions or advantages in economic relationships
Antonyms
Pro Tip
Avoid confusion with 'dissymmetry'
'Asymmetry' implies a complete lack of symmetry, while 'dissymmetry' suggests a partial or bilateral irregularity. Use 'asymmetry' for total imbalance.
Gold Rule
Use 'asymmetry' for measurable imbalance
When describing physical, mathematical, or economic imbalances, 'asymmetry' is preferred over 'unevenness' for precision.
Word Origin
From Greek *asymmetria*, combining *a-* (without) + *symmetria* (symmetry), first used in English in the 17th century.
Usage Notes
Asymmetry is often used to describe intentional design choices in art and architecture, where irregularity is valued for aesthetic or functional reasons. In science and mathematics, it typically describes a measurable imbalance.
Word Breakdown
a-
without
prefixsymmetry
balanced proportions
rootEnglish Dictionary