asymmetric
adj.adj. having two sides or parts that are not the same in shape, size, or arrangement.
adj. characterised by a lack of symmetry; having parts that do not correspond to one another in size, shape, or relative position.
The artist painted an asymmetric pattern on the wall.
The tailor noted that the jacket had an asymmetric hemline, being significantly longer on the left side than the right.
In modern warfare, asymmetric conflict occurs when there is a significant disparity in the military power or tactics used by the opposing sides.
From a- + symmetric, as Ancient Greek ἀσυμμετρία (asummetría, “disproportion, deformity”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Often used to describe physical objects, mathematical relationships, or power dynamics between two groups.
Last updated May 8, 2026