Unequal (Adjective)

Meaning ¹

Lacking the requisite qualities or resources to meet a task; "inadequate training"; "the staff was inadequate"; "she was unequal to the task".

Classification

All adjective clusters.

Examples

• The new employee felt unequal to the demands of her high-pressure job and struggled to keep up.
• The team was unequal to the task, lacking the experience and skills needed to win the competition.
• The small town's resources were unequal to the challenge of hosting a major international conference.
• She was unequal to the task of managing the large and complex project on her own.
• The government's response to the disaster was criticized for being unequal to the scale of the emergency.

Synonyms

• Inadequate

Meaning ²

Poorly balanced or matched in quantity or value or measure.

Classification

All adjective clusters.

Examples

• The new policy has been criticized for creating unequal access to education for students from low-income families.
• The team's lineup was unequal to the task of defeating their well-coached opponents.
• The trade agreement has been criticized for imposing unequal tariffs on imports and exports.
• The new tax code has created unequal tax burdens on different socioeconomic groups.
• The unequal distribution of resources has hindered the ability of some communities to respond effectively to natural disasters.

Antonyms

• Equal