English Reference
Adjective

asymmetrical

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US /ˌeɪsəˈmɛtɹɪkəɫ/ UK /ˌeɪsɪmˈɛtɹɪkəl/ asym·met·ri·cal

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.


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.

Carney also said Trump’s team attempted to push an asymmetrical deal that would damage Canada’s industries.

Al Jazeera· 1 Sept 2026

What we thought we were reading as a “romance” may in fact be more deeply rooted in asymmetrical social structures.

ScienceDaily· 7 Jul 2026

From a- + symmetrical.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Occasional
Updated