adj
unequal
uhn-EEK-wuhl
adj
1
Not the same in size, amount, value, or status.
"The two teams started the match on unequal footing."
"Wealth is distributed very unequally across the country."
2
Not having the necessary strength, skill, or resources for a task.
"He felt unequal to the challenge of running the company alone."
How to Use Unequal
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishNot the same as something else, or not up to a task.
Common pairings
unequal treatment
unequal footing
unequal to the task
Word Forms
more unequal comparative, unequals plural, most unequal superlative
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The two teams started the match on _____ footing.
Etymology
From Middle English unequale, from un- ("not") plus equal.