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Having varying lengths; not uniform in length.
市场上出售的毛巾长短不一，质量参差不齐。
Towels sold in the market vary in length and quality.
这批木材长短不一，不适合直接使用。
This batch of timber has uneven lengths and isn't suitable for direct use.
Often used to describe physical objects like ropes, fabrics, or materials where uniformity in length is expected.
Do not use '长短不一' for differences that are not related to physical length, such as quality, color, or texture. For example, '颜色长短不一' (colors of uneven lengths) is incorrect.
Ensure the context involves a comparison of physical lengths. If the difference is in another attribute (e.g., weight, price), use a more appropriate phrase like '质量参差不齐' (varying in quality).
Composed of 长 (cháng, 'long') + 短 (duǎn, 'short') + 不 (bù, 'not') + 一 (yī, 'one'). Literally means 'long and short are not the same,' reflecting the contrast in lengths.
Commonly used in contexts involving physical measurements, such as textiles, construction materials, or manufacturing. Avoid using it for abstract or metaphorical differences unless the context clearly implies a comparison of lengths.