Word
asymmetrical
Phoneticsasym·met·ri·cal
US/ˌeɪsəˈmɛtɹɪkəɫ/
UK/ˌeɪsɪmˈɛtɹɪkəl/
Definition
adj. having two sides that are not the same in shape, size, or arrangement. If you cut the object in half, the two parts would not match.
adj. having parts or aspects that are not equal or equivalent; lacking symmetry in spatial arrangement or proportion. Often used to describe physical objects, data distributions, or power dynamics.
Examples
“She wore an asymmetrical dress with only one sleeve.”
“The architect designed an asymmetrical building where the left wing was significantly taller than the right.”
“The conflict was characterized by asymmetrical warfare, as the small insurgent group utilized hit-and-run tactics against the massive, conventional forces of the state military.”
Examples
simple
“She wore an asymmetrical dress with only one sleeve.”
contextual
“The architect designed an asymmetrical building where the left wing was significantly taller than the right.”
complex
“The conflict was characterized by asymmetrical warfare, as the small insurgent group utilized hit-and-run tactics against the massive, conventional forces of the state military.”
Usage
Often used predicatively after 'be' or 'look', or attributively before a noun.
Real-World Examples
“Carney also said Trump’s team attempted to push an asymmetrical deal that would damage Canada’s industries.” “What we thought we were reading as a “romance” may in fact be more deeply rooted in asymmetrical social structures.” Etymology
From a- + symmetrical.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/asymmetrical