un ‧ e ‧ qual /ʌnˈiːkwəl/ BrE AmE adjective
[ Word Family: noun : ↑ equality ≠ ↑ inequality , ↑ equal , ↑ equalizer ; verb : ↑ equalize , ↑ equal ; adverb : ↑ equally ≠ ↑ unequally ; adjective : ↑ equal ≠ ↑ unequal ]
1 . used to describe a situation or a social system which is unfair because some groups or people have more power than others ⇨ inequality :
an unequal contest
the unequal distribution of wealth
2 . not equal in number, amount, or level
of unequal size/length etc
two rooms of unequal size
be unequal in size/weight etc
The pieces were unequal in length.
3 . be unequal to the task/job etc to not have enough strength, ability etc to do something
—unequally adverb
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THESAURUS
▪ unfair/not fair not right or fair, especially because not everyone has an equal opportunity:
The present welfare system is grossly unfair.
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It’s not fair that people are paying different prices for the same tickets.
▪ unjust not fair or right according to the principles of a particular society:
He believed it was an illegal and unjust war.
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unjust laws
▪ unequal unfair because people are treated in different ways or because some people have more power than others:
We live in a deeply unequal society.
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the unequal distribution of global resources
▪ inequitable formal unfair because people are treated in different ways, or because some people have more power than others:
inequitable tax laws
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The system is inequitable, because it makes it possible for rich people to buy a place at university.
▪ biased unfairly against or in favour of a particular group:
biased reporting
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There were claims that prison bosses were racially biased.
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The policy was biased against women.
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The trade laws are biased in favour of rich countries.