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not level, flat, or smooth; having irregularities
The road surface was uneven due to potholes.
The road had rough patches and holes.
Her breathing became uneven during the workout.
Her breaths were irregular and inconsistent.
Can describe physical surfaces, rhythms, or distributions.
not equal or balanced; varying in quality or quantity
The team's performance was uneven this season.
Their results varied widely, with some wins and some losses.
The distribution of resources was uneven across regions.
Some areas received much more than others.
Often used in contexts like performance, distribution, or competition.
'Uneven' often implies irregularity or inconsistency, while 'unequal' strictly means not equal in size, value, or status. For example, 'uneven terrain' refers to rough ground, not ground with different sizes.
Use 'uneven' for physical surfaces (e.g., 'uneven pavement') and for abstract concepts like performance or distribution (e.g., 'uneven grades').
From Old English 'un-' (not) + 'efen' (even, level), meaning 'not level or balanced'. The 'even' component traces back to Proto-Germanic '*ebnaz' (level, equal).
Commonly used to describe physical surfaces (e.g., roads, floors) or abstract concepts (e.g., performance, distribution). Avoid using for people unless referring to physical traits (e.g., 'uneven teeth').