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unequal

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unequal
unequal /ʌnˈiːkwəl/ adjective
 Word Family: noun: equalityinequality, equal, equalizer; verb: equalize, equal; adverb: equallyunequally; adjective: equalunequal
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
     
THESAURUS
    unfair/not fair not right or fair, especially because not everyone has an equal opportunity: The present welfare system is grossly unfair. | 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. | 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. | 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 | 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 | There were claims that prison bosses were racially biased. | The policy was biased against women. | The trade laws are biased in favour of rich countries.