uneven

Uneven is an adjective used to describe something that is not even or level, not uniform in shape, size, or texture, and not symmetrical or regular in distribution or progression. It can refer to physical properties, such as an uneven surface, terrain, or edge, as well as to non-physical phenomena like an uneven workload, an uneven tempo, or uneven outcomes in a process.

In everyday language, uneven often conveys irregularity or inconsistency. For example, a road may be uneven if it has potholes or varying elevations; a surface may feel uneven to the touch; a budget may show uneven spending across categories. The term can also describe patterns that lack balance, such as an uneven distribution of resources or opportunities.

In mathematics, the terms even and odd distinguish integers divisible by two from those that are not. Although many speakers use uneven to refer to odd numbers in casual speech, the precise mathematical term is odd. The broader use of uneven covers not only numerical parity but any lack of uniformity or regularity.

Etymology wise, uneven forms from the prefix un- meaning not, attached to even, which derives from Old English efen or efene, meaning level or equal. The word appears in various domains, from geometry and design to statistics and everyday description, always signaling a departure from uniformity or balance.

See also: irregular, asymmetrical, imbalanced, nonuniform, unevenness.