Vocabulary in context
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Uneven
Not level or smooth; lacking uniformity in form, texture, or distribution, and can also describe inconsistent or irregular performance.
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Imagine This
Imagine walking along a sidewalk where some bricks sit higher than others; each step you take rises or sinks, and your balance wobbles as you try to stay steady.
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Sounds Like
uhn-EE-vuhn
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Looks Like
un + even; resembles the word 'even' with the prefix 'un-' indicating negation
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Remember This
Uneven means not even. In math, 'even' numbers are divisible by 2; 'uneven' is often used broadly for surfaces or distributions, but the precise math term for not divisible by 2 is 'odd'.
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Other Forms
unevennessnoun
unevenlyadverb
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Connect With
even, level, smooth, regular, unbalanced, irregular, asymmetrical
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Note
Do not confuse uneven with unevenly or with 'unequal.' Uneven describes lack of balance or uniformity, typically for surfaces or distributions. In math contexts, 'even' and 'odd' are the correct terms; 'uneven' is more common in everyday descriptions.
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Study Deeper
Examples
- The sidewalk was uneven, with gaps that could trip a person.
- Her performance was uneven, sometimes brilliant, sometimes sloppy.
Synonyms
irregularunbalancedinconsistenterraticjagged
Antonyms
evenlevelsmoothbalancedconsistent
Etymology
From un- (not) + even (level, flat); 'even' itself comes from Old English efene/even meaning level or equal.
Mnemonic
UN-EVEN: Picture a seesaw tipped to one side with a big UN stamp on the low end, reminding you that something is not even.
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Ethereal
adjectiveExtremely delicate, light, or heavenly; intangible and otherworldly in nature.
Squander
verbTo waste something (such as money, time, or opportunities) by using it carelessly or foolishly.
Conformity
nounThe act or state of aligning one's attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors with the norms or standards of a group.
Similar Words
Related words and words with the same part of speech.
Abstruse
adjectiveDifficult to understand; obscure or highly complex.
Accidental
adjectiveHappening by chance or without deliberate planning; not intended. In music, it is also a noun for a symbol that temporarily alters a pitch.
Acerbic
adjectiveSharp or biting in tone or taste; caustic or mordant in manner.
Acquiescent
adjectiveReady to agree or approve without protest; compliant.
Adamant
adjectiveRigid in opinion or purpose; not willing to change one's mind or position.
Adept
adjectiveHaving or showing a high level of skill or proficiency; very capable.
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