lopsided

Lopsided is an adjective describing something that is not evenly balanced, with one side heavier, larger, or more developed than the other. The word comes from lop, meaning to cut off or trim, combined with -sided to indicate a relation to a side.

In geometry and design, lopsided describes objects or forms that are asymmetric by intention or necessity. Examples include irregular sculptures, architecture with asymmetrical massing, or components where one side differs in size or weight.

In biology and medicine, natural asymmetry is common in organisms, and many people display small differences between the two sides of the body. A lopsided gait, smile, or strength distribution can result from injury, development, or pathology, but may also occur without impairment.

In statistics and social contexts, lopsided is used informally to indicate an uneven distribution or outcome. A lopsided victory or score implies a large margin of difference. In data analysis, terms like skewed or asymmetric distribution are more precise, while lopsided remains casual.

In astronomy, lopsidedness describes mild asymmetries in galaxies, sometimes caused by interactions or accretion of matter. Across domains, the core idea is consistent: unevenness between opposite sides or parts, producing an observable imbalance rather than symmetry.