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

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
prefix
+
symmetry
balanced proportions
root
English Dictionary